Torque Direct – Issue 02 – March 2023

Publisher Jerry Ramsdale Jerry@torque-direct.com

Editor Hayley Everett Hayley@torque-direct.com

Deputy Editor Rachel King Rachel@torque-direct.com

Contributing Editor

Jonathon Harker Jonathon@torque-direct.com

Sales Manager – UK

Claire Warman Claire@torque-direct.com

Sales Manager – International Harry Whyte Harry.whyte@torque-direct.com

Circulation

Tracy Howell Tracy@torque-direct.com

Head of Production Luke Wikner production@torque-direct.com

Designers

Dan Bennett production@torque-direct.com

Victoria Arellano production@torque-direct.com

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE EDITOR’S COMMENT

04 Product news

COVER PROFILE

08 TR Fastenings – How can manufacturers design with sustainability in mind?

TECHNICAL INSIGHTS

12 Electronics – The latest innovations from the electronics sector

38 Rotech Laboratories – How salt spray testing can help determine corrosion resistance

IN-DEPTH – SUSTAINABILITY

21 Analysis – How is the fastener industry addressing the sustainability question?

23 HEICO – Demonstrating social and economic responsibility with sustainability

24 Arnold Group – Cutting carbon emissions in the automotive sector

26 Dörken – How zinc flake systems can improve the carbon footprint of steel

28 Stanley Black & Decker – Introducing a new waste reduction programme

30 Growermetal – A look inside the Greenmetal project

PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

16 Automotive fasteners & tools EJOT & Bulten

36 Coatings & Platings Accu, Atotech & ND Industries

INDUSTRY EVENTS

32 Show previews – Fastener Fair Global, International Hardware Show Italy, Taiwan International Fastener Show & Fastener Fair USA

43 Show review – Fastener Fair Italy

SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS

AT PRESENT, the global manufacturing industry is facing mounting challenges. With many economies around the world still struggling to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic, manufacturers across the globe are contending with ongoing supply chain disruptions, distress in financial markets, and a serious energy crisis cause in large part by the war in Ukraine. A recent report from the United Nations (UN) predicts that these situations are only set to worsen with climate change, having already delayed the urgently needed transition to greener economies if the world is to meet its climate goals over the next few decades.

In light of this realisation, this issue of Torque Direct provides an in-depth look at how the fastener sector is meeting the sustainability challenge head on. The following pages feature expert insights, case studies and technological innovations from leading players in the industry who are heading the charge towards lower carbon emissions, reduced waste, and greener products. Read on to learn how manufacturers can design with sustainability in mind, lower the carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes and products, and contribute to a circular economy through waste reduction and recycling.

Also under the spotlight in this issue are innovations in automotive fasteners and tools, as well as the latest technological developments in the coatings and plating sector. Advanced approaches to product testing are also in focus, as are the latest innovations in electronics and electrical components. Meanwhile, a hefty show preview section casts a light on the crucial industry events that are taking place over the coming months, including Fastener Fair Global, International Hardware Fair Italy, Taiwan International Fastener Show and Fastener Fair USA.

We welcome expert contributors to share their thoughts and insights from the sector in our upcoming issues. If you have knowledge to impart, then do get in touch.

46 Show review – Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Hayley Everett Editor Hayley@torque-direct.com

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As part of our commitment to the environment, Torque Direct is fully recyclable.

DISTANCE MOUNTING SYSTEM RECEIVES RECOGNITION

CELO’s ResiTHERM 16 distance mounting system has received special recognition in the ‘Special Mention’ category of the pres

tigious German Design Awards. Presented by the German Design Council, the award is one of the most renowned in the design industry, with the ‘Special Mention’ award highlighting remarkable design achievements.

ResiTHERM 16 was developed to meet modern building industry challenges, such as insufficient fastening, the creation of thermal bridges, and variations in thermal insulation thickness. The ETA­approved distance mounting system is designed to be particularly durable and hard­wearing, with the innovative design of the product’s black thermal module ensuring that thermal bridges are prevented. Meanwhile, the system speeds up installation by screwing into the insulation like a screw and sealing the façade with a pre­mounted sealing washer, allowing the user to save heating and energy costs.

The system received the special mention for its combination of efficiency, sustainability and ease of installation, and is reportedly the first ETA­approved distance mounting system on the market.

www.celofixings.de

ENHANCED SHEET METAL RANGE

TR FASTENINGS and TENTE Castors have teamed up to enhance the former’s sheet metal range with more than 150 new products. TR is now able to provide mobility solutions to a wide range of customers and applications from domestic furniture and laundry carts to hospital equipment and heavy duty industrial.

Some of the new products in the company’s expanded product range include swivel braked castors, swivel castors and fixed castors with accessories such as circlip stems, stem plates and threaded stems. Wheel diameters are available from 14­200mm, serving a wide range of applications. Produced with high­quality materials such as solid rubber and synthetic compounds, the range of castors is not only designed to be aesthetically pleasing but to also have longevity and whole­life efficiencies.

Further product features include load capacities ranging from 25­1,200kg and a wide variety of wheel tread options to suit different situations, including: polyurethane, polypropylene, polyamide, thermoplastic rubber, solid rubber and elastic rubber tread.

“Following on from the successful launch of our Enclosure Hardware products, this was a natural progression to add the TENTE range,” says Sean Cushen, Commodity Manager at TR. “Having spent time with the TENTE technical and manufacturing teams on site, we have got to know the brand and we are confident that we can work very closely together.”

www.trfastenings.com

FIRST-OF-A-KIND ANCHOR SYSTEM

Hilti has combined adhesive anchor performance with screw anchor speed and simplicity with its new Kwik­X Dual Action Anchor system. Billed as the ‘first of its kind’ on the market, the system is designed to reduce multiple steps in the traditional adhesive anchor installation process.

Specifically, the Kwik­X can reduce installation time by up to 70% and save up to 20% in the total cost of installation when compared to traditional adhesive anchoring systems. Comprised of the Kwik­X pre­portioned adhesive capsule and Kwik HUS­EZ screw anchor, the system provides the necessary performance for safety­critical applications. By removing the need for processes such as hole cleaning, curing time and dispensing, the system eliminates adhesive waste and the requirement for accessories like brushes, air compressors and dispensers.

This simplicity results in increased productivity by reducing the risk of human error, while additional features such as high performance in jobsite conditions and the capability to remove and reinstall the anchor in the same borehole help to better cater to the needs of the installer.

www.hilti.com

NEW CORDLESS TOOLS FOR OUTDOOR

Makita has expanded its XGT portfolio, a system of 40V and 80V max cordless equipment and tools, with nine new products spanning applications in the outdoor power equipment, concrete, fastening and lighting sectors. The XGT system gives users a single system, from core handheld tools like drills and impact drivers to equipment­grade products like high­capacity saws, rotary hammers and power cutters, all powered by 40V max XGT batteries.

The new products expanding the range include three models of the 40V max XGT Brushless Chainsaw, with all three models featuring a Makita­built brushless motor that delivers the power of a 42cc petrol model and chain speeds of 5,020 FPM. Concrete trades can benefit from the new 40V max XGT Brushless 8” Concrete Vibrator and 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 5­1.2” Concrete Vibrator, which both deliver up to 15,500 vibrations per minute and up to 60 minutes of runtime. Meanwhile, fastening trades are offered the 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 4­Speed Impact Driver, which features a four­speed power selection and ultra­smooth variable speed trigger to provide optimum control.

Other new products in the range include a self­propelled commercial law mower, LED area light, and radio­equipped lantern.

www.makitatools.com

COMPACT CORE DRILLING MACHINE LAUNCHED

FEIN has announced what it claims is the world’s smallest compact core drilling machine with right and left rotation to the UK’s metalworking market. The KBC 36 Magforce has a tiny installation height of just 169mm and a length of 290mm, making it the most compact drill of its kind.

The machine’s small size, lightweight design and brushless 1,200W high­power motor allows users to operate in smaller and harder­to­reach spaces than ever before with greater levels of efficiency. The low­wear and long­life tool design features a spindle sleeve feed without clearance and high gearbox positioning, offering the optimum view of the drilling point and facilitating accurate results. Meanwhile, its integrated tilt sensor and 10,000N magnetic holding force ensure that users can safely complete a huge range of jobs, including both vertically and overhead.

Specifically, the tool is geared toward those working across structural steel, shipbuilding, vehicle and truck modification, chassis or tanker work, and general fabrication and engineering.

www.fein.com

CORDLESS TOOLS FOR CONCRETE & WOODWORKING

BOSCH POWER TOOLS has launched 32 new 18V cordless tools to its CORE18V platform, specifically aimed at the concrete and woodworking sectors. The latest innovations are powered by the company’s CORE18V battery platform, staying true to its commitment to offer one battery platform solution for the trades.

The substantial line up of new products covers a wide range of tools, from hard hitting rotary hammers and high­torque impact wrenches, to cordless benchtop tools. Other additions to the range include grinders, chisels, sanders, circular saws, miter saws, a table saw and accessories, reciprocating saw, cutout tool, screw guns, and fastening and drive solutions.

“Feedback from workers on the jobsite is at the core of our research and development process at Bosch, as our team looks to continuously innovate and evolve our product offering to meet the needs of today’s North American construction workers,” says Philipp Gosau, Director of Product Management Power Tools at Bosch. A number of the new tools were launched at the recent World of Concrete 2023, with more announcements to follow throughout the rest of this year.

www.boschtools.com

“USERS CAN SAFELY COMPLETE A HUGE RANGE OF JOBS, INCLUDING BOTH VERTICALLY AND OVERHEAD.”

“FEEDBACK FROM WORKERS ON THE JOBSITE IS AT THE CORE OF OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AT BOSCH, AS OUR TEAM LOOKS TO CONTINUOUSLY INNOVATE AND EVOLVE OUR PRODUCT OFFERING.”

SUSTAINABILITY INTO ACTION

Sven Brehler, Director of Engineering at TR Fastenings and member of Trifast plc ESG Committee, discusses the need for manufacturers to design more sustainably and move away from built-in obsolescence.

As a major fastener supplier to the health and home sector, TR Fastenings actively supports new designs and the re­introduction of fasteners that can be accessible for disassembly and repair.

For us as consumers of household goods, we have got used to appliances with a more limited life span compared to those of 30 years ago. Product then was more solidly built and assembled by conventional production methods such as welding and riveting which are used less often today. They were, however, not as aesthetically pleasing; the choice of colours was either cream or white, but the products lasted for years.

Designed to secure a washing machine drum in place during transport, this transit bolt used to be a 5-piece assembly

They could also be accessed and repaired quickly with spares readily available as there were fewer models available with common parts.

Sacrificing durability

We have come a long way in the design of products to meet our requirements for modern appliances in our sleek kitchens and utility rooms. What has been sacrificed over time is the durability and longevity of the product, which inevitably means that product cannot easily be repaired in or out of warranty and then ends up as scrap and potentially in landfill sites.

If it can be repaired, but is out of warranty, it is often too expensive and there is a tendency to replace rather than repair. As a result, you could deduce that there is built in obsolescence in the way product is currently manufactured today. It would be better for the environment, and our wallets, if products could return to having the ability to replace components with a screwdriver or wrench and buy spare parts easily. Once a product has been welded or riveted it is nigh impossible to do that.

Another case in point would be electrical waste which could be reduced if replacement parts were readily available, and not just to costly service engineers. Well known global brands of vacuum cleaners and electrical garden equipment are starting to enable consumers to buy online battery replacements which is a move in the right direction.

The rise of Right to Repair

The European Union’s (EU) environmental ‘Right to Repair’ legislation has put the consumer back in charge of their electrical goods and helps to address the ‘throwaway tech culture’ head­on, a move that TR Fastenings supports. After years of campaigning, this EU legislation will drive change in assembly methods with a major shift in how electronics and domestic appliances will be manufactured and serviced. It is already playing a key role in helping to extend product life, cut carbon emissions, and reduce landfill. Where there are more mechanical assembly methods employed there could even be a boost to create more jobs within the sector.

One example to illustrate the changes that can be consciously made is in the assembly of a washing machine (see our front cover graphic). Working in collaboration with domestic appliance customers, TR Fastenings is urgently addressing this area. It is clear to see in the washing machine

”IN OUR ITALIAN MANUFACTURING FACILITY TR VIC, WE HAVE DEVELOPED A ONE-PIECE ASSEMBLY THAT IS PATENTED AND FULLY RECYCLABLE.“

The newly built Hungarian facility is environmentally compliant

animation which we have produced in house, the return to conventional assembly methods that is being encompassed in the latest designs. A good example would be the move to thread forming screws and high strength fasteners that allow for disassembly and reusability.

One example of this, the transit bolt, can be clearly seen in our animation on the TR Fastenings website. This transit bolt used to be a 5­piece assembly holding the drum securely in transit when it was delivered to a customer’s home. Originally this assembly comprised of two plastic spacers, a rubber damper, a metal washer and a bolt which were then discarded once the machine was located in position. In our Italian manufacturing facility TR VIC, we have developed a one­piece assembly that is patented and fully recyclable.

Embedding sustainable principles

TR‘s Sustainability Report sets out the blueprint for a more environmentally­friendly future. The challenge is to embed this strategy and ethos in a practical way within our business.

Last year we opened a sizeable new build location in Hungary. It is not often that you get the chance to design a building from scratch. Our teams used this opportunity to ensure the building was environmentally compliant, incorporating many features such as solar panels, triple glazed windows, clean air filtration systems in the warehouse, sustainably sourced office furniture and EV charging points. Company vehicles are now all electric.

TR VIC Italy

TR’s VIC Italy manufacturing location is a key supplier to the domestic appliance market. The collaboration with the European multinationals and their design and technical teams has been focused on ensuring that the ‘Right to Repair’ legislation is being embraced and incorporated in all new models.

We have taken the same approach in our manufacturing facility in Umbria based on the principal of working towards being Industry 4.0 compliant. This has enabled us to develop a modern, greener and more efficient workplace. The investment made has been sizeable over the last five years, culminating in a newly extended production facility and warehouse, new multistage forging machines being delivered, and the work does not end there.

This investment increases our production capability by 33% to meet the demands of customers requiring ‘near shoring’ which again is a sustainable target for many companies that are intent on reducing CO2 emissions. There is a never­ending continuous improvement program in place working on reducing waste, oil reclamation and new extraction and filtration systems.

In addition to the domestic appliance market, there is talk that the ‘Right to Repair’ is gathering strength in other sectors too, including automotive.

www.trfastenings.com

'Right to Repair' hopes to eliminate built-in obsolescence

The assembly of a top-loaded washing machine tub

machine tub tub cover tub fixing screws

ENHANCING ELECTRONICS

As digital transformation in industries such as electric vehicles and automotive electronics continues, we take a look at some of the recent fastener innovations and applications in this space...

According to recent statistics from market research consulting firm Transparency Market Research, the global industrial fasteners market is expected to reach a value of $131.56 billion by 2031. The automotive sector held the major share of this market in 2021, and is expected to grow significantly over the next few years due to the predicted increase in the manufacture of cars, including electric vehicles (EVs).

Additionally, an increase in the manufacture of medium commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles, heavy earth moving equipment, machine tools, aircraft and utility vehicles is propelling the usage of fasteners in sub or main assembly parts. And, in line with the rapid rise of EVs, demand for different types of fasteners and sealing technologies is also growing, especially for those used in electronics and electrical applications.

Featuring a captive spring­loaded design and tool­free operation, the fastener assembly locks firmly into position to provide enhanced shock and vibration resistance to ensure the safety of PCI cards if the server is moved or dropped. For installation, the user simply pushes down on the cap while rotating 180 degrees to fasten the server cage to the mating receptacles on the chassis. Meanwhile, the set clamping force provided by the fastener prevents over­tightening.

QUICK ACCESS FASTENERS

To begin with, a new line of PCI rise cage fasteners from fastener manufacturer Southco is improving the shock resistance of next­generation server chassis models. The firm has expanded its DZUS quick access fastener range with the DSUZ D9 Tech Line Quick Access PCI Riser Cage Fastener Assembly, designed to support the new type of connector currently deployed by leading server manufacturers.

The DZUS D9 Tech Line assembly combines Southco’s quarter­turn and captive fastening technologies to provide consistent and reliable clamping force, as well as quick access. To ensure compatibility with a range of PCB thickness ranges, the assembly is available with multiple stud lengths that make it simple to install, remove and replace server cards. Essentially, the quick access fastener offers engineers a user­friendly solution for telecom, networking and data storage applications by holding PCI graphics, audio and storage cards securely in place.

www.southco.com

”THE ASSEMBLY IS AVAILABLE WITH MULTIPLE STUD LENGTHS.“

The DSUZ D9 Tech Line Quick Access PCI Riser Cage Fastener Assembly

ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE ADHESIVE

Chemicals firm Henkel, meanwhile, has recently introduced an electrically conductive adhesive designed to safeguard thin, miniaturised substrates within mobile device camera components. Specifically, the adhesive is engineered to accommodate the complexity behind compact camera modules.

The new Loctite Ablestick ICP 212 is a moisture cure chemically conductive adhesive that cures at room temperature, helps improve yield rates and protects the sensitive structures of mobile camera modules. In addition to its core electrical advantages,

Loctite Ablestik’s distinctive chemistry provides a low modulus to ensure better drop performance, while its fast curing profile enables high volume processing, substrate protection and reduced energy consumption.

The adhesive has been designed for electrical grounding and its electrical properties have been optimised for high performance, meaning its characteristics make it suitable for additional applications beyond just compact camera modules, such as OLED display grounding.

www.henkel.co.uk

”DEMAND FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF FASTENERS AND SEALING TECHNOLOGIES IS ALSO GROWING, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE USED IN ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL APPLICATIONS.“

Loctite Ablestick is designed to protect components within compact camera modules

The short UV exposure time allows bonding of temperature sensitive materials.

HIGH-TECH SEALING FASTENERS

Recent advances in technology mean that industrial equipment and the electronic components within them must withstand treacherous terrain, pressurised environments and harsh contaminants. Fastener manufacturer Zago is active in this area, having manufactured a range of high­tech sealing fasteners that are designed to protect electronic components from harmful contaminants and environments. Equipped with 360 degree rubber O­ring technology, the fasteners are engineered to protect equipment, electronic devices, sensors and other critical components operating in high pressure environments.

BLACK ADHESIVE TECHNOLOGY

Elsewhere, fellow chemical manufacturer Panacol has developed a new deep curing black adhesive technology, called ‘Black&Light’, that allows for a complete cure without the need of a secondary thermal process.

Conventional black UV adhesives can be disadvantageous in the fact that they absorb a high proportion of UV intensity, meaning that the energy needed to fully polymerise an adhesive can only penetrate a few micrometres. This results in surface ‘skin’ formation on black adhesives, however the material is not completely cured and a secondary thermal curing process at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius is required.

Panacol’s new Black&Light technology enables the complete curing of black epoxy adhesives with LED UV energy, making them suitable for encapsulation, glob top or edge bonding within electronics manufacturing. As a result, the product is suited to optoelectronic applications to help minimise reflections and enhance sensor transmission values. The Black&Light technology within the adhesive enables UV rays to penetrate it and complete a full cure, while its structure prohibits light transmission to form a fully cured adhesive system that remains irreversibly black.

www.panacol.com

TOOL-LESS CONNECTORS

Meanwhile, CONEC, a manufacturer of connector, cable solutions and enclosure technology, provides a range of circular connectors and sockets for the industrial cabling industry that can be installed without the use of tools. Available in M8 sizing, the firm’s circular connectors and sockets feature a snap lock, meaning they can be quickly and easily plugged into sockets, sensors and actuators without any further work steps. The snap connectors can be mounted on their counterparts in applications where there is little installation space with an angled or straight cable outlet.

The fasteners are designed with a groove under the head of the screw which, combined with the rubber O­ring and tightened, creates a 360 degree seal that won’t break or crack under pressure. The airtight seal prevents contaminants like precipitation, salt water or bacteria from leaking into equipment and damaging it. Zago’s sealing fastener range is approved by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and pressure tested to military standard 1,500 psi.

www.zago.com

The connectors with M8 thread on one end can be mounted firmly while the other end with snap lock can be used on a company’s assembly and production line. The compact locking system is secure and complies with protection class IP67 with up to six poles. In addition to the wire and solder pin straight termination types, the range also includes sockets for the surface mount technology (SMT) or through­hole reflow (THR) soldering methods. www.northernconnectors.co.uk

The sealing fastener range is designed to protect electronic components from harsh environments

”ZAGO’S SEALING FASTENER RANGE IS APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (NEMA).“

OPTIMISING EVB ASSEMBLY DESIGN

How EJOT fasteners are enabling creative approaches to electric vehicle battery assemblies

Advanced fastening solutions from EJOT enable automotive engineers to optimise the design of electric vehicle battery (EVB) assemblies to realise far­reaching benefits in terms of opening up new creative potential for the electric vehicle’s (EV) design and efficiency of production.

As a global leader in the design and manufacture of fastening systems for the automotive industry for over 50 years, EJOT offers expert insights and products to help automotive designers to achieve the optimum fastener solution for EVB projects.

“We understand the challenges involved with ensuring the battery is as lightweight as possible to optimise performance and reduce energy consumption, while at the same time being designed for both water and air tightness and remaining fully

serviceable,” says Steve Wynn, UK Sales Manager for Industrial Fastening Solutions at EJOT UK. “We also know that the EVB design must utilise a mix of connected components that are conductive in some instances, while requiring isolating qualities for safety reasons in other areas. And there is the critical issue of fastener cleanliness too, given that any contamination present within the electric powertrain can lead to short­circuiting.”

Through the range of advanced fastening systems for EVB assemblies available from EJOT, designers have at their disposal a range of solutions they can depend on to meet these goals and more, particularly in relation to using lightweight materials. EJOT fasteners helped pioneer the use of lightweight and thin sheet materials in the automotive industry and today

”EJOT PROVIDES VALUABLE TOOLS TO SUPPORT DESIGNERS SEEKING TO INTEGRATE ITS FASTENERS INTO NEW ASSEMBLY DESIGNS.“

A 3D image render showing the stress in a plastic component

the latest versions of these products and systems are helping EV manufacturers benefit further.

Where the EVB assembly is concerned, these fasteners are enabling the shift away from using standard steel in motor housings to materials like aluminium and plastics, which require solutions to handle different temperature and tolerance demands.

One of the EJOT fasteners at the forefront of EVB assembly is the ALtracs Plus thread forming screw for aluminium. This self­tapping screw is helping to satisfy the increasing volume in this growth market area because of its suitability for lightweight construction due to its optimised thread geometry that facilitates the use of smaller and shorter screws, but with consistently high strength values.

Through these design characteristics and their high quality, ALtracs Plus along with other EJOT fasteners including the EVO PT – a high load capacity screw for direct fastening into plastics – will also give greater reliability of installation equipment. And, due to the innovative nature of many EJOT fasteners, there is also the scope to reduce the number of parts needed in an EVB assembly which in turn means simpler installation.

The result is that EJOT can help EVB designers arrive at a

design that ticks all the boxes, ensuring that high levels of productivity can be maintained in the factory for Takt times to be met more reliably.

“Finding new ways to apply our fasteners to provide high strength joints in plastics, composite materials, thin sheets and foams will be increasingly important as EV adoption and use grows,” adds Wynn. “The continuous pursuit of improvements in the whole vehicle design, and particularly EVBs, is going to be key for the industry to deliver vehicles that are popular with drivers and suit their requirements without compromise, and we are delighted to be supporting that process. So if you are working on an EVB project, talk to us to explore how our range, including metal screws for plastics, plastic screws, frictionweld systems, plastic fasteners and removable fasteners, can help you achieve your design goals.”

EJOT also provides valuable tools to support designers seeking to integrate its fasteners into new assembly designs. This includes access to its specialist calculation software which will assist in the development process and potentially deliver savings in terms of time and costs.

www.ejot.co.uk

An exploded view of an EV battery pack with fasteners visible

”ONE OF THE EJOT FASTENERS AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVB ASSEMBLY IS THE ALTRACS PLUS THREAD FORMING SCREW FOR ALUMINIUM.“

ZERO EMISSIONS

First announced in April 2021, the Polestar 0 project is aiming to create a truly climate­neutral car by 2030 through eliminating emissions in the supply chain. Initiated and headed up by Swedish electric performance car brand Polestar, the project’s goal is to find and remove all CO2 emissions linked to its supply chain, from mining, mineral refining and production, to overland and sea transportation.

Several industry leaders in the automotive sector have already signed letters of intent to collaborate on research, including SSAB, Hydro, ZKW, Autoliv, and ZF. Now, Polestar has launched an open call for research and collaboration, inviting any company, research institution, university, supplier, or government with the right knowledge, skills, or insights to join the project.

“We need to dig into global problems that are yet to be solved,” says Hans Pehrson, Head of the Polestar 0 project. “I’m confident that through research and collaboration, we can not only recast great innovations of the past, creating the same or similar end results without any greenhouse gas emissions, but tap into solutions that are still in the ideation stage. A fully sustainable society requires us to work together in unprecedented ways. That’s why a shifted focus is needed, and we want to join forces with those who are equally determined to make this vision a reality.”

Eliminating carbon emissions

The automotive sector, like many other industrial sectors, relies on processes that have been refined over centuries to serve the requirements of modern products. Many of these processes are dependent on crude oil, natural gas, and coal, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions.

The Polestar 0 project aims to rethink the ways materials are developed, from raw material extraction to risk materials, bio­based chemicals and polymers, electronic components, noble gases, and other base materials. The project partners will focus on finding innovative solutions to decarbonise the complete production of the car, including processes of extracting and refining material for battery production.

“If processes can be re­invented to become completely free from greenhouse gas emissions, we should seek to transform them,” Pehrson explains. “Processes that cannot, at this point, be transformed to become emissions free will require more focused research, while processes that cannot be transformed must simply be left behind. We’re in the business of zero and nothing else.”

Climate-neutral fasteners

Bulten has begun working with Polestar on the Polestar 0 project to deliver climate­neutral and highly functional fasteners for the manufacture of the zero emission production car. The firm will achieve this through a combination of energyefficient materials and processes, as well as renewable energy supply throughout the value chain.

”WE NEED TO DIG INTO GLOBAL PROBLEMS THAT ARE YET TO BE SOLVED.“

The first truly climate-neutral production car: A look at Bulten’s involvement in the Polestar 0 project

EJOT’s Application Engineers have access to prognosis and forecasting software that has proved pivotal for designers and can impact positively on prototype and testing budgets.

Bringing it together.

No other fastener OEM knows e -vehicle assembly inside and out, like EJOT.

EJOT’s pedigree as a fastening innovator goes hand in hand with automotive manufacturing’s own backstory - pretty well since day one.

And given that our fastening products and systems provide application-specific solutions for all modern engineering materials, their commonality supports modern engineering goals to build lighter, build stronger, build smarter.

No surprise then that EJOT has been working academically with design teams world-wide, to bring our fastening technology into electric vehicle assembly, and to all peripheral application developments, for some time.

If you’re involved with any area of EV design, at any stage, at any leveland you’d like a solutions-based conversation, then call or email our team:

T: +44 (0) 1977 387 040 E: industrial@ejot.co.uk

Build lighter. Build stronger. Build smarter.

“We are truly honoured to be part of the Polestar 0 project, and to assist one of our customers in developing a truly climate­neutral vehicle,” says Anders Nyström, President and CEO of Bulten Group. “We take our sustainability work extremely seriously and see this as an opportunity to share our knowledge, but also to learn from the other partners involved in the project.”

At Bulten, all new projects are scrutinised from a sustainability perspective before they begin, and only sustainable solutions are given the go­ahead. There are currently several research projects underway at the company to develop methods for green surface treatment and to enable to use of totally renewable raw materials for cold forging.

One sustainability initiative already benefiting Bulten’s customers is BUFOe, a product family developed to offer a climate­smart alternative for strength classes 8.8 and 10.9. In traditional manufacturing, heat treatment accounts for around one third of CO2 emissions. However, the manufacturing process for the BUFOe series leverages cold forging and alternative material choices to achieve a process that makes heat treatment redundant, reducing CO2 emissions by 30%.

Bulten will now use its knowledge and expertise in metallurgy and cold forging to supply climate­neutral fasteners to the Polestar 0 project.

“A project of this ambition requires partners at the cuttingedge of their industries and which are fully engaged in our bold vision,” adds Pehrson. “That’s why I’m looking forward to Bulten becoming a crucial part of our team as we find solutions

for developing an entirely climate­neutral supply chain. Bulten’s expertise in fasteners will be invaluable in our mission and will play an integral role in pioneering new and innovative technologies to achieve what has so far been impossible.”

www.bulten.com

”A PROJECT OF THIS AMBITION REQUIRES PARTNERS AT THE CUTTING-EDGE OF THEIR INDUSTRIES AND WHICH ARE FULLY ENGAGED IN OUR BOLD VISION.“

The Polestar 1 in production at the Chengdu plant

Bespoke bonded aluminium platform being developed in-house by Polestar’s UK R&D team

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Cutting carbon emissions and protecting the environment has never been of such importance as it is today. So, how is the fastener industry approaching the sustainability question?

Over the past decade, the importance placed on improving sustainability and reducing the impacts of climate change has grown immensely, spurred on by a plethora of environment­focused legislation, emissions targets, and greener manufacturing practices. One large driving force behind this is the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which outlines 17 goals that act as a blueprint for tackling climate change, improving health and education and spurring economic growth, among other aims.

However, the latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report has revealed that these aspirations are in jeopardy. As the world faces cascading and interlinked global crises and conflicts, such as the recent Covid­19 pandemic and ongoing war in Ukraine, industry has faced disrupted supply chains, global trade, and distress in financial markets. These situations are expected to deteriorate with climate change, which acts as a ‘crisis multiplier’, and have already further delayed the urgently needed transition to greener economies. Based on current national commitments, global greenhouse gas emissions are set to increase by almost 14% over the current decade.

As such, it has never been more vital for countries around the world to adopt low­carbon, resilient and inclusive development pathways that will reduce carbon emissions and conserve natural resources to advance the transition to a greener global economy.

Increasingly, the spotlight has been turned onto businesses, not least with customers questioning how suppliers are doing their bit to cut carbon emissions. The fastener industry is no exception. From green products and coatings to packaging and legislation, the supply chain and energy to waste reduction and material repurposing, there are many areas in which fastener businesses are doubling down on efforts to improve their sustainability.

Greener material choices

One trend in the pursuit of more eco­friendly product design and manufacturing is the growing demand for stainless steel fasteners, which can act as a more sustainable and versatile choice for many applications. Because stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion, and not least recyclable, fasteners made from this material have low maintenance costs, long service life, and are easy to recycle at the end of their life.

In fact, studies show that the total cost of stainless steel can be between 30­40% lower than competing materials due to reduced repair, maintenance and replacement costs throughout its life cycle. The decreased need for repair and replacement of stainless steel fasteners also results in lower environmental impact in terms of raw material and energy use. Additionally, the recyclability of stainless steel contributes to the goal of a waste­free circular economy where the use of raw materials is eliminated.

”THERE ARE MANY AREAS IN WHICH FASTENER BUSINESSES ARE DOUBLING DOWN ON EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THEIR SUSTAINABILITY.“

E-WASTE COLLECTION RATE

Coating selection is crucial

The choice of coating for fasteners is another important area that affects their environmental impact. One example of this is the replacement of traditional zinc coatings with zincaluminium flake coatings which do not require oven baking at high temperatures, therefore saving huge amounts of energy. Another approach is eliminating the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), commonly found in the solvents used to make industrial coatings. VOCs are both toxic to the environment and the human body, creating a harmful pollutant called ground­level ozone when exposed to sunlight and nitrogen in the atmosphere. Because of the serious effects of VOCs on human health and the environment, companies are continuously seeking more bio­friendly options for industrial coatings, such as waterborne coatings.

Waterborne coatings are manufactured using water as a diluent to disperse a resin instead of organic solvents, making them far more environmentally friendly. These types of coatings are often used within the marine, building and construction, and packaging industries, and in addition to their eco credentials can also offer superior performance benefits.

Modularity is key

As innovation within industries such as automotive and electric vehicles (EVs) continues to gather pace, many manufacturers are looking at how modularity can improve not only the design and performance of vehicles, but also their overall lifecycle. In the past, vehicle manufacturers have leaned towards gluing or welding parts together to create fixings, however the increasing importance placed on improving the lifecycle of new vehicles and their components means that it is crucial these units can eventually be taken apart.

As such, this move towards modular design is a good opportunity for fastener manufacturers to ensure fasteners become an integral part of the whole design process early on, and therefore better address the reusability and recyclability of

components used in vehicles from the outset. Replacing traditional gluing and welding methods with fastener assemblies can help to not only elongate the life of the parts themselves, but also of the entire vehicle as it allows for various components to be replaced.

Aside from the automotive industry, this approach to modularity is also being spearheaded by the European Union (EU) Right to Repair legislation, which is prompting many industry sectors to opt for more sustainable and future­proof assembly methods.

Eco-friendly packaging

Aside from the design and application of fasteners themselves, there are sustainability gains to be achieved with alternative material choices for packaging, too. As packing regulations change and supply chain disruptions continue, business are increasingly looking at alternative methods of transporting their products to customers.

Opting for packaging that is recyclable and multi­use is one approach, with new options for wooden pallets and plastic containers offering a more eco­friendly way of transporting products. By using packaging that is both recyclable and reusable, manufacturers can benefit from reduced costs and resources due to not having to spend on ‘one­way’ options or packaging disposal, while also reducing the negative impacts of the manufacturing process on the environment.

The road to sustainability

While progress is being made in improving sustainability within the fastener industry, there is still a long way to go in order to meet global targets, such as the SDGs outlined by the UN. In the following section, we hear from some of the companies making progress in this pursuit, and how they are making more environmentally­minded choices regarding their manufacturing processes and product design.

www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment

(e-waste collected and managed in an environmentally sound way/e-waste generated), 2019 (percentage)

”MANY

INDUSTRY SECTORS TO OPT FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE AND FUTURE-PROOF ASSEMBLY METHODS.“

SUSTAINABLE STANDARDS

How HEICO Group is demonstrating social and economic responsibility with its sustainability concept

For many years, HEICO has worked hard to build up its economic and social responsibility. The German manufacturer of bolt­locking devices, pre­tensioning systems and cold forging parts has introduced its own Environment Management System (EMS) and achieved the globally recognised standard DIN EN ISO 14001 for its HEICO Umformtechnik division.

“In today’s world, sustainability is a matter of course in business,” explains Tobias Grobe, Head of Sales and Marketing. “Dealing responsibly with nature and people is just as much a part of our company’s philosophy as the energy and resourcesaving manufacture of our products.”

The company’s headquarters and sole production site is situated in a rural but infrastructurally well­developed region not far from the Ruhr metropolitan area. The site also features park­like green areas with fruit trees on which an assortment of animals roam. The building features a photovoltaic system on the roofs of its production halls, alongside a thermal power station. While merging the two production sites in Ense­Höingen, investments were made to modernise them with more energy­efficient systems and machines that reduce the consumption of natural gas and electricity. A significant part of the company’s energy consumption was saved by dismantling the electroplating plant, modernising the heating system and introducing a new lighting concept.

The company’s thermal power station, which is connected to a nearby biogas plant, supplies energy in the form of electricity and heat. The thermal energy is used to heat the company’s washing plants, while the electricity generated is fed into the general power grid. Meanwhile, the firm’s painting systems make an important contribution to sustainable energy use by means of heat recovery through thermal afterburning in the painting process. The energy and heat released by the combustion of the smallest paint particles is fed back into the system and used to heat the process water.

Not only is heat used innovatively in HEICO’s machines and

systems, but it is also use to cool the inductors of the firm’s hardening plant via an open­air cooler on the roof of the production hall. At outside temperatures of up to 17°C, the cooling medium can be cooled down in this way without the need for an additional air conditioner.

“The political and economic developments of the last year have shown us once again how important it is to deal sustainably with our resources and our environmental factors,” Grobe adds. “In addition to the economic and environmental factors, sustainability is also about the social area, the human factor.” HEICO is one of the largest employers and training companies in the region. Living sustainably is also reflected in the fact that the company trains numerous young people in recognised professions every year and participates in the examination board of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The company prides itself on showing how sustainability can be achieved with sometimes unconventional ideas, innovative measures, and a clearly defined sustainability strategy.

A family owned company, HEICO has a dozen sales offices worldwide and employs more than 430 people. The company recognises its success and performance depends on its employees, and prides itself upon offering good working conditions, fair wages, and continual education that form the basis for sustainable cooperation. The company welcomes and retains new employees by organising internal events to improve social skills, team spirit and employee health.

www.heico-group.com

”IN TODAY’S WORLD, SUSTAINABILITY IS A MATTER OF COURSE IN BUSINESS.“

HEICO invites school classes to visit its animal park for practical learning about sustainability

As part of HEICO’s sustainability concept, a photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the production hall

CUTTING CARBON EMISSIONS

Arnold Group’s Annedore Bose-Munde explains how optimising fuel consumption and innovating new drive concepts can improve sustainability in the automotive industry

When we look at global developments in the automotive industry, it is clear that over the years, new cars and vans manufactured in Europe have become progressively heavier – from an average 1,268kg in 2000, rising to 1,360kg in 2021, and some 1,420kg in 2020. With the development of more hybrid and electric vehicles, this trend will increase. The weight of the battery alone means that, on average, an electric vehicle weighs 300kg more than a vehicle with a conventional engine.

But by optimising fuel consumption and discovering new and innovative drive concepts, it has been possible to achieve a significant reduction in CO2 emissions – from around 175g CO2/km in 200, to 140g CO2/km in 2010, and down to 95g CO2/km in 2020. This trend needs to continue over the next few years if in future

initiative actively helps customers to reduce their CO2 emissions by ensuring that fasteners and cold­form parts are designed and implemented sustainably. A carbon calculation takes place as early as the development stage. Using its own CO2 calculator –developed in house – Arnold is able to determine the Product Carbon Footprint for the part the customer is enquiring about and can then work with the customer to improve it.

The aim here is that at the end of the development process, the product is technically of high quality, and optimised with regard to costs and its CO2 footprint. The components of the tool are comprised of CO2­optimised engineering assisted by digital forecasting tools, a CO2 optimisation analysis by looking at a possible change in production technology or changing the fastening technology, as well as by using innovative fasteners or systems.

we are to achieve our climate protection targets.

Sustainability is also a huge topic for the Arnold Group from Germany. Sustainability is one of five strategic approaches employed by the fastener manufacturer – along with e­mobility, internationalisation, lightweight engineering, and digitisation. The company’s engineers are well aware that all along the value­added chain every product has its own footprint. At each part of the supply chain emissions are calculated and added up. This means that downstream companies in the supply chain take on the totalled emissions from their own suppliers and then pass them on, with their own CO2 emissions added, to their customers.

Reducing carbon emissions with ACO2 Save

This is why Arnold has set up the ACO2 Save initiative. The

To show exactly how this ACO2 Save initiative is working, let us look at a specific example. A special screw made of aluminium, with a volume of 8,733mm3 and weighing 23.5g, was being machined in the traditional way. A blank turned part was used on the production line and the volume of that was 25,630mm3, weighing in at 69.2g each item. An ACO2 Save analysis found that the part could be changed to a formed part from the Conform range. As a result, the volume of the formed blank was now 9,135mm3 and each one weighed 24.82g.

Besides a considerable improvement in costs created by lower materials requirements for the cold­forming process, this also has a considerable effect on the product carbon footprint for this particular screw.

www.arnoldgroup.com

LIQUID HIGHTECH

Perfectly encased, perfectly protected

Sometimes it is what is on the outside that counts. Our zinc flake systems are suitable for all screws and bolts and hug every thread perfectly. Premium quality that protects against corrosion, sets defined coefficients of friction and withstands a range of mechanical stresses. However, we are not satisfied with the best and are constantly on the lookout for new solutions and innovations – for every problem, for every challenge.

High cathodic corrosion protection

Complex fastening enabled without problems

Cross-linking at low curing temperature

ZONING IN ON ZINC FLAKE COATINGS

Climate change and supply chain: Sustainable business has completed megatrend status and is an integral part of the core business along the value chain. Not only because pressure is coming from politicians, investors and other stakeholders, sustainability must be anchored in every part of modern businesses. One consequence of this is that sustainability initiatives must be demanded at supplier level.

In the automotive industry, the growing importance of sustainability is evidenced by goals such as CO2­neutral production and emission­free vehicles. Emissions regulations and a growing awareness of responsibility towards people and nature within society are additional drivers. In terms of change, climate change and CO2 emissions as well as the sustainability of the value chain are focus topics. In order to integrate sustainability into the business model, solutions must be identified along the value chain. Steel, in particular, is used in many ways in the automotive industry. Here, the optimisation potential of the CO2 balance results from the use of zinc flake systems.

The production of one tonne of steel causes around 1.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This value increases through further processing into different end products. Without corrosion protection, the steel corrodes within a very short time and

must be replaced. For this reason, optimum corrosion protection for steel products is of elementary importance in terms of sustainability and resource conservation. The high­performance coating prevents rapid corrosion and extends the service life. This in turn leads to direct CO2 savings and has an extremely positive effect on the energy balance of the steel.

Cathodic corrosion protection

From small screws and nuts to large steel components, for every metallic component suitable corrosion protection must be thought of at the planning stage. Electromechanical reactions change the properties of the metal and can significantly impair its functioning.

Essentially, a coating of zinc flakes is a ‘paint’ with many microscopically small plates, the corrosion protection pigments. According to DIN EN ISO 10683 and DIN EN13858, these are a combination of zinc and aluminium flakes, which are connected by an inorganic binder. A zinc flake coating from Dörken is a modular system consisting of basecoat and topcoat. The cathodic corrosion protection is achieved by a priming basecoat and can be supplemented with a topcoat for further properties such as friction coefficient, chemical resistance, mechanical resistance, colouring or abrasion resistance.

Dörken’s Markus Nowak discusses how zinc flake systems can improve the carbon footprint of steel

Zinc flake coatings contain multiple microscopically small plates that offer corrosion protection

”A ZINC FLAKE COATING FROM DÖRKEN IS A MODULAR SYSTEM CONSISTING OF BASECOAT AND TOPCOAT.“

Savings potential with a zinc flake system

Against this background, the concrete CO2 savings potential in steel production through the use of zinc flake coatings – visualised using the example of one tonne of screws – is shown. These extremely efficient micro­layer corrosion protection systems have been tried and tested for many years in various industries and application areas, such as the automotive industry, and guarantee not only a very high level of cathodic corrosion protection but also other multifunctional properties, depending on the requirements.

In order to visualise and calculate the positive effects of the coating on the CO2 balance of steel screws, different zinc flake systems – solvent and water­based – are used and compared with regard to raw material requirements and manufacturing process.

Coating one tonne of screws with a zinc flake system produces approximately 50kg of additional CO2 emissions –this accounts for just under 3% of the total emissions for one tonne of steel. Depending on the application, the service life is extended by up to three times. In other words: within the life cycle, not three but one tonne of steel with corrosion protection is needed. Taking the example of the new screw, this results in a potential saving of 2,950kg for the CO2 balance in the life cycle. To give context, driving 24,000km with a car produces the same amount of CO2, if you wanted to neutralise these emissions by planting trees, you would need 300 trees.

CO2 emissions in the coating process

Besides the massive difference between coated and uncoated screws, there are also differences in the use of zinc flake systems. When considering solvent­based and water­based

zinc flake systems, there are significant differences due to the amount of solvent used in the coating and the energy consumption in the application process.

In direct comparison, this sample calculation based on the parameters mentioned shows that solvent­based systems can be the more environmentally friendly option in terms of CO2 emissions. All­in­all, suitable corrosion protection makes a significant contribution to the sustainability of steel products. In this example, the emissions of the steel required can be reduced by up to one third.

Dörken works side by side with partners along the supply chain and is happy to share its expertise as part of joint development work. As specialists in high­quality surface protection, Dörken offers safe and customised solutions for a wide range of applications – preferably with sustainable products ­ with a lasting effect.

www.doerken.de

”DÖRKEN WORKS SIDE BY SIDE WITH PARTNERS ALONG THE SUPPLY CHAIN AND IS HAPPY TO SHARE ITS EXPERTISE AS PART OF JOINT DEVELOPMENT WORK.“

Zinc flake coatings provide a very high level of cathodic corrosion protection

FORCE FOR GOOD

A new waste reduction programme is encouraging customers to recycle home appliances and tool products

Acting as a “force for good” is at the heart of Stanley Black & Decker’s (Stanley B&D) Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy which aims to support more sustainable manufacturing. As part of this goal, the company has teamed up with recycling firm TerraCycle to enable its customers to recycle home appliances and tools containing integral lithium­ion batteries.

The free programme accepts a variety of products under Stanley B&D’s portfolio, including Black+Decker, Dewalt, Craftsman, Stanley, Porter­Cable, Irwin, Lenox, Mac Tools and Bostitch. Customers can send in their old power tools, hand tools and accessories by signing up on the Terracycle programme page mailing in eligible waste.

“Stanley Black and Decker strives to further our ESG mission and is committed to creating a more sustainable world, with a focus on reducing waste,” says Debi Geyer, Corporate Responsibility Officer at Stanley B&D. “One way we are doing this is by providing our customers with product recycling options that are easy and cost­effective to perform. Together, we can work to create a lasting, positive sustainable change for our communities.”

Once the collected, the waste is cleaned, sorted by material composition and reduced into material that can be remoulded to make new recycled products.

“Stanley B&D is offering consumers a planet­positive way to responsibly dispose of their well­used small home appliances and power tools that have reached the end of their usable life,” adds Tom Szaky, TerraCycle’s CEO and Founder. “Through this recycling programme, consumers can divert the waste from landfills while helping to protect and preserve the planet for future generations.”

TerraCycle’s industrial recycling process

TerraCycle provides industrial recycling services for distribution centres, warehouses and production facilities to help them reach their zero waste goals. The firm aims to provide solutions for typically hard­to­recycle materials, and currently operates in 21 countries.

The process begins with TerraCycle’s research and development (R&D) team which analyses the material composition of accepted waste to determine the best way to process it into something new. This includes how to break down the waste, separate it into its building blocks, and then recycle those materials for new applications.

Once waste arrives at a TerraCycle facility, materials are sorted based on their characteristics and composition using a range of sorting technologies. Once sorted by category, the different material types are cleaned and then sent to thirdparty partners to process the materials into usable forms. Metals and aluminium are shredded and smelted into metal sheeting, ingots or bar stock, while glass is crushed and melted to be used in new glass bottles or brick, cement or concrete applications. Plastics, meanwhile, are size­reduced before being melted and reformatted into pellets, flakes, or a powder format.

After the waste has been recycled into raw material, it is sold to manufacturing companies who produce the end product and complete the recycling journey.

www.stanleyblackanddecker.com

The programme accepts a range of products under Stanley B&D’s portfolio

”STANLEY B&D IS OFFERING CONSUMERS A PLANETPOSITIVE WAY TO RESPONSIBLY DISPOSE OF THEIR WELL-USED SMALL HOME APPLIANCES AND POWER TOOLS.“

THE GREENMETAL PROJECT

How durable fastening solutions, investments in rese arch, renewable energy and a responsible Environmental Management System is helping Growermetal achieve its sustainability goals

Since January 2016, 193 countries have been called to adopt new measures in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Today, halfway to the deadline, enterprises have faced a complex, challenging picture, with consequences on many aspects of their production and management.

This is a situation that involves Growermetal, an Italian safety washer manufacturer, that during the last three years has invested resources to rethink its productive model and setting forth a new phase of its business. However, an ecological approach is not new to the firm’s history. In 2006, Growermetal obtained the certification UNI EN ISO 14001 for its Environmental Management System (EMS) and, four years later, it installed a photovoltaic plant on the roof of its headquarters, in order to produce part of the electric energy on its own.

Over the last decade, Growermetal has increased its focus on bringing innovation within its departments and production, led by the belief that customers’ trust depends not only on the ability to provide reliable solutions according to their needs, but also on ensuring responsible and long­term production models.

Flexibility and reliability meet technical evolution

One of Growermetal’s strengths lies in its wide portfolio of products, with a variety of safety washers and parts that meet the demand of industrial applications within a wide array of sectors, ranging from automotive and rail to aerospace, energy production and electromechanics. In particular, the challenges of this period include the rapid evolutions in the automotive and transport fields, which led Growermetal to expand its range with new technologies.

Among the latest products introduced, there are high thickness and precision flat washers, special shaped blanked and bended parts, metallic parts with glued or moulded inserts and the technology of Grower SpheraTech, an innovative preassembled set comprised of a spherical top washer and a conical seat washer.

The firm will be displaying SpheraTech at the upcoming Fastener Fair Global trade fair in Stuttgart between 21­23 March. During the 2019 edition of the show, the company won third place in the Route to Fastener Innovation award for its Grower TenKeep safety washer. The technology is still a core product in the range, consisting of a flat washer with two surfaces with knurls of different geometries, designed to ensure maximum performance against loosening of the bolted joints even in extreme conditions.

Quality and flexibility are not the only cornerstones of Growermetal’s range. In addition to its more than 4,500 standard products and 2,500 special parts available in different measures, materials and surface coatings, the company is confronting the increasing demand for a sustainable and circular production model.

The Greenmetal Project Growermetal’s answer to future expectations is the Greenmetal Project: a program created to align its conduct to sustainable short­term and long­term goals. Among the objectives, there is the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050, as set by the 2015 EU Green Deal for Carbon Neutrality, but also the goal of optimising the firm’s environmental profile to enhance energy efficiency and boost circular economy activities.

In synergy with the company’s internal code of ethics and its policy for quality, environment and safety, the Greenmetal project provides guidelines for strategic sustainable development, focusing on four aspects: Suppliers, raw materials, processes and resources.

Regarding the supply chain, Growermetal puts great attention in the selection of its partners that must guarantee full compliance to Italian and international environmental protection regulations. This aspect goes hand­in­hand with the selection of low­impact materials and treatments, where the research of advanced resources merges with the need to reduce the ecological footprint of the supply chain. In addition, the company works to create durable solutions, making the customer’s investment profitable and sustainable over time.

”OVER THE LAST DECADE, GROWERMETAL HAS INCREASED ITS FOCUS ON BRINGING INNOVATION WITHIN ITS DEPARTMENTS AND PRODUCTION.“

To offer this benefit, effective coatings are essential, as they enhance the characteristics of the washer design, create long­lasting fastening systems and protect the pieces from corrosion whilst maintaining their performances in the most challenging conditions.

The company has expanded its range with new products and technologies focused on improving sustainability

Talking about process, a large part of Growermetal’s investments has been addressed in improving the performance of the EMS, through interventions aimed at equipping the production departments, the quality control division and the R&D laboratory with cutting­edge and low­impact technologies. Finally, resource optimisation covers different aspects of the manufacturing process, ranging from energy efficiency to the replacement of dangerous chemicals with more ecofriendly products.

Alongside the main key intervention, Growermetal includes the recycling and reuse of oil and water, the reduction of CO2 emissions through greater energy efficiency, and the increment of electricity production from alternative energy sources. The company also uses heat energy to warm its departments, reduces and responsibly disposes of waste, and recovers every litre of water used through its industrial rainwater harvesting system.

www.growermetal.com

”GROWERMETAL PUTS GREAT ATTENTION IN THE SELECTION OF ITS PARTNERS THAT MUST GUARANTEE FULL COMPLIANCE TO ITALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REGULATIONS.“

THE WORLD IN STUTTGART

Fastener Fair Global returns to Messe Stuttgart in March to once again bring together the fastener and fixing industry.

Taking place between 21­23 March, Fastener Fair Global covers all areas of the fastener and fixing sector. The international trade exhibition for manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and suppliers of fastener technology takes place biennially in Stuttgart, Germany, and is the flagship event of the Fastener Fair event series.

The show encompasses the entire supply chain, with exhibitors presenting products and services from a wide range of industry sectors, including industrial fasteners and fixings, construction, assembly and installation, fastener manufacturing technology, storage, factory equipment, and information and communication services.

Four years in the making

The last Fastener Fair Stuttgart took place in 2019, with 987 exhibitors showcasing their products, services and technologies throughout the 22,250 square metres of dedicated exhibition space. More than 12,000 visitors from 90 countries attended the show across three days, resulting in the biggest Fastener Fair Stuttgart to date.

Due to the pandemic, the 2021 show was postponed. Four years on from its last outing, and under the new name of

Fastener Fair Global the show is returning for its 9th edition in March targeting distributors, suppliers, engineers and other industry professionals from across the fasteners and fixings industry.

Breaking records

According to the organiser, Fastener Fair Global is shaping up to be a record­breaking 9th edition. The show has grown since the last event in 2019, now covering a net exhibition space of over 23,000 square metres and occupying four halls for the first time. Over 980 exhibitors from 43 different countries will display their products, technologies and services during the trade fair, confirming the event’s international reach.

Visitors will also get a first­hand opportunity to assess new products and services introduced by exhibitors to the market within the last two years through the Route to Fastener Innovation competition. The three winners of the competition will be presented with the accolade of being ‘Fastener Technology Innovators’ on the second day of the event in Hall 11 at 2pm.

www.fastenerfairglobal.com

A NEW HARDWARE FAIR

International Hardware Fair Italy is a new entry on the Italian and European trade fair scene.

Koelnmesse, the organiser of International Hardware Fair Cologne – EISENWARENMESSE, has launched a new event for the Italian market, International Hardware Fair Italy. With this, the organiser will now deliver a highlevel annual event that will take place in Cologne in even years and Bergamo in odd years.

The first edition of the Italian show will take place between 5­6 May, and according to the organiser will be ‘full of novelties’. The show is billed as a key event for the Italian and European market, offering industry professionals within the hardware, fixing, fasteners, DIY, building, safety, outdoor, paint industries and electrical sectors two days of meetings and conferences.

Italy’s only hardware fair

The event will encompass a wide array of different sectors to offer visitors the chance to view a complete set of products, from tools, DIY and fixings to electrical, garden and outdoor. The show will also have a matchmaking element, giving attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to arrange one­to­one meetings and facilitate in­person discussions. This valuable meeting platform will enable manufacturers, distributors and professionals to seek new business development opportunities with key industry players.

Alongside the exhibition space, the trade fair will offer unique opportunities for training and discussion during highlevel congresses and workshops. Professionals will be able to learn more about future trends in the hardware and DIY industry through two days of discussion on pressing issues facing the industry now. The workshops will provide insight into unprecedented industry scenarios, round­tables between manufacturers and distributors, and a wide programme of professional workshops.

Additional elements on offer at the show will include exclusive award ceremonies and professional events for exhibitors to present their newest innovations, products and technologies. The show’s onsite business meeting programme will also enable professionals from all corners of the hardware sector to connect and come together on­site.

www.hardwarefair-italy.com

”ALONGSIDE THE EXHIBITION SPACE, THE TRADE FAIR WILL OFFER UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAINING AND DISCUSSION DURING HIGH-LEVEL CONGRESSES AND WORKSHOPS.“

SHOW PREVIEWS

TAIWAN SHOW RETURNS

After a five-year

The Taiwan International Fastener Show returns to the halls of the Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre between 3­5 May, after a long gap enforced by the Covid­19 pandemic and its many lockdowns. The show’s return is a timely one, too, as the region finds itself in a time of acute supply chain disruption.

As such, sourcing will no doubt be a hot topic during the show, and exhibitors and attendees alike will get the opportunity to judge the current state of the fastener sector and meet colleagues and suppliers in­person once more.

The trade fair will gather 300 exhibitors with 800 booths, while in the region of 8,000­9,000 domestic and international visitors are expected to attend over the three days. Despite the recent challenges with international travel, expectations for this year’s event are high.

Industry health check

Given recent disruption, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see significant fluctuations in Taiwan’s fastener exports since 2019. Back then, the export value of the country’s fastener industry stood at just over $4.3 billion, while its main export markets were the United States (40.6%) and Europe (22.5%). However, the numbers have remained more consistent than you might initially expect.

According to the Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute, between 2018­2022 the unit price of exported fasteners continually grew from $2.88 to $3.81, showing a positive direction towards diversification in the sector with high value­added application, such as fasteners for aerospace and medical.

The show goes on

In addition to its exhibition element, the show is also returning with a strong seminar programme aiming to provide insight into the current trends and challenges facing the industry. Specifically, the event’s Global Fastener Forum will focus on high value­added applications, high­quality, and the technologies benefiting Taiwan’s fastener manufacturers.

Alongside these topics, the programme will help attendees and exhibitors to understand how to deal with Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), ESG issues, and highlight the latest innovations within the sector. For this year, the show will be delivered in a hybrid format, with both a physical and online exhibition for buyers. The organisers will also put on several other activities for attendees, including a VIP dinner, live tour, and procurement meetings.

www.fastenertaiwan.com.tw

hiatus, the Taiwain International Fastener Show is back

”DESPITE THE RECENT CHALLENGES WITH INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT ARE HIGH.“

NEW IN NASHVILLE

The next edition of Fastener Fair USA lands in Nashville

The fifth edition of Fastener Fair USA will take place between 16­17 May at the Music City Centre in Nashville, Tennessee. Part of the Fastener Fair series of trade fairs, the show is geared towards the entire fastener supply chain, from distributors, wholesalers and OEMs to purchasers and mechanical and design engineers.

The trade fair welcomes exhibitors and attendees from all corners of the fastener industry, including automotive, aerospace, construction, HVAC, furniture and more. As well as providing a space for exhibitors to display their product innovations and technologies, the show will also provide a range of educational tools and opportunities to connect with peers and industry experts.

Last time out

Fastener Fair USA 2022 wrapped up its fourth in­person event since its debut in 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Featuring a daylong educational program followed by a two­day exhibition, the show has been one of North America’s fastest­growing trade fairs for the fastener industry.

Highlights from last year’s event included a full­day conference presented by the Fastener Training Institute (FTI), alongside a new speed networking programme to match attendees with relevant suppliers during the show. Meanwhile, the Future of Fastening Theatre featured an ‘Ask the Expert’ panel presented by the FTI and Industrial Fastener Institute, and an opening party night helped to facilitate industry connection and networking in a relaxed, productive space.

Here to stay

From 2023, Nashville will become the every other year location for the trade show, having repeatedly come up in the organiser’s polls as one of the top locations where participants would like to see the event take place. This year’s show will once again bring together fastener professionals from across the aerospace, automotive, industrial machinery, construction, electronics, and energy sectors to reconnect in­person and discover the latest innovations and trends within the US market.

www.fastenerfairusa.com

”FROM 2023, NASHVILLE WILL BECOME THE EVERY OTHER YEAR LOCATION FOR THE TRADE SHOW, HAVING REPEATEDLY COME UP IN THE ORGANISER’S POLLS AS ONE OF THE TOP LOCATIONS.“

THE FINAL COAT

According to Accu, this is what makes its AccuBlack finish ideal for a wide range of industry applications, ranging from automotive and aerospace to military stealth projects. In these sectors, a balance between appearance and performance is considered essential. As such, AccuBlack fasteners and fixings are commonly chosen to match a black assembly, particularly when the components need to visually compliment or blend in with a dark or black design.

Following extensive testing under strict laboratory conditions, such as passing an independent 240 hour salt spray test, the company says its AccuBlack coatings are proven to be superior to standard cold blackening finishes. Whilst typical cold black finishes are carried out at room temperature using a copper selenium compound that can leave a sooty residue on components, AccuBlack offers a smooth satin black finish.

ENHANCING BLACKENED COMPONENTS

Since Accu introduced a black stainless steel finish to its standard range of more than 500,000 precision components in 2017, it has rapidly become a favourite amongst engineers. After more than five years as one of the firm’s best­selling product lines, Accu has refined its production process to ensure the quality of its blackened components is consistently better then before.

Customised with the company’s specialist blackening process, which converts the top layer of stainless steel into black magnetite, AccuBlack components feature a durable satin black finish whilst maintaining the high precision, corrosion resistance and tensile strength of the firm’s natural stainless steel finish.

As a result, Accu believes its enhanced AccuBlack coating will be well­received by engineers and innovators, with the change also improving the corrosion resistance of the firm’s blackened nuts, bolts, washers and screws. www.accu.co.uk

The latest update to Accu’s blackened components offers a dry oil finish which creates a deeper satin black colour with a more even surface appearance. In comparison to conventional oxidising methods, the AccuBlack finish has an increased abrasion resistance, making the blackened appearance more durable during installation and removal in application. Additionally, alternative black finishes such as painting and plating add a solid layer to the outside of a component, which can negatively affect both the precise dimensions and surface texture.

A PROTECTIVE MASK

Specifically geared towards the automotive sector is ND Industries’ LM­1293 coating process, described by the firm as a ‘protective mask’ for fastener threads. The automotiveapproved process accurately coats fasteners such as weld nuts and weld stud threads with PTFE­based thread masking and lubricating materials to prevent the adherence of undesirable substances and eliminate the need for thread plugs or caps.

”THE ACCUBLACK FINISH HAS AN INCREASED ABRASION RESISTANCE, MAKING THE BLACKENED APPEARANCE MORE DURABLE.“

With the demand for affordable and reliable finishing products continually on the rise, we round up the latest innovations in the coatings and plating sector

Compatible with male, female, ferrous and non­ferrous threaded fasteners of virtually any finish, LM­1293 is suitable for applications where masking is necessary to prevent electro­deposited undercoatings (e­coat) and weld spatter from contaminating fastener threads. Unlike competitive processes which often subject parts to very high temperatures that may damage or discolour fasteners, the patented process employs minimal heat.

Essentially, LM­1293 processing creates a cross­linked coating which provides excellent solvent resistance, high temperature resistance, e­coat and weld spatter resistance, and improvement to torque­tension properties.

As a result, efficiency increases are gained from lubricating the fastener threads to reduce driving friction, heat build­up and thread galling in long rundowns, while also helping to ensure uniform clamp loading. Additionally, LM­1293 processed fasteners remove the need for re­tapping, plugging, capping and slave bolts, leading to reduced labour and material costs.

A further benefit of the LM­1293 process is that only parts with excessive oil or surface contaminants may require precleaning, which the firm says sets the process apart from others.

ND Industries can apply LM­1293 to a customer’s fasteners at its regional service centres, making use of automated equipment that ensures consistent quality results. The coated fasteners are then dried, repacked and returned to the customer ready for installation and use. Alternatively, the company can supply customers with completed pre­applied fasteners. www.ndindustries.com

SIMPLIFYING COATING WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON PERFORMANCE

Tomislav Maric, Global Product Manager Zinc Flak Coatings at Atotech, discusses a high-performance coating system approach for the fastener industry.

The demand for affordable and reliable finishing products is on the rise, particularly in the fastener coating industry. The same can be said of the growing need for corrosion protection systems, with markets requiring corrosion performance of up to 720h in neutral salt spry testing (NSST) in line with ISO and ASTM standards calling for simplified production processes.

An economical alternative coating

Atotech’s Zintek ONE HP is an inorganic silver and zinc flake base coat designed to provide the above level of corrosion protection performance in a single application layer, dependant on part geometry, substrate, application method and quality.

Zintek ONE HP is engineered to help reduce process and handling costs, energy consumption and coating line occupancy by removing the need for the second coating step commonly required to achieve reliable corrosion protection in standard zinc flake systems. This makes the coating a costeffective alternative to multi­layer zinc flake applications, hotdip galvanising and electroplated corrosion protection finishes.

The base coat is applied in a single dip­spin coating step that achieves a typical layer thickness of 6­8μm, which is comparable to the total thickness of conventional two­layer zinc flake coatings. Well­suited for bolts, screws, springs and other parts with standard geometries used in construction, automotive, and heavy industry applications, Zintek ONE HP provides excellent mechanical resistance properties and adhesion, while maintaining a uniform surface even after undergoing mechanical stress.

Multiple coating advantages

Zintek ONE HP delivers several coating benefits, one of which is improved throughput capabilities resulting in fewer handling cycles and minimising potential damage to bulk processing system parts at the applicator base. The base coat’s optimised flow characteristics allows customers to achieve a uniform and homogenous coating thickness that leads to more reliable and reproducible corrosion protection capabilities, while touch marks are minimised.

By combining the Zintek ONE HP base coat with Atotech’s various top coats, engineers can individually adapt their processes to various OEM requirements, such as chemical resistance and enhanced UV­stability, while meeting the industry’s coefficient of friction demands.

Since zinc flake technology presents no risk of hydrogen embrittlement, the coating is ideal for high­tensile fasteners of class 10.9 and higher. In line with Atotech’s approach to providing more environmentally friendly products, its zinc flake coatings are also free of Pb, Hg, Cd, Ni, Co and Cr(VI) and can be cured at moderate temperatures, removing concerns over the annealing of high­strength steel components.

www.atotech.com

HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS INCREASING CORROSION… AND HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROJECTS

Global warming’s impact on weather systems has had a knock-on effect upon the levels of corrosion that buildings and infrastructure can expect to be subjected to. Rotech Laboratories discusses how salt spray testing can help determine corrosion resistance in these changing times…

Climate change has heavily influenced the frequency and intensity of floods and other naturally occurring weather­related disasters around the world.

In the UK, analysis by the Met Office in 2020 shows that, on average between 2010 and 2019, summers were 13% wetter and winters were 12% wetter. Another study showed that

heavy rainfall events in the UK have been made 40% more likely by climate change (Friederike E L Otto et al, 2018)

The UK Climate Change Committee has warned that 1.4 million people in the UK currently face a risk of extreme flooding, and that number could increase to at least 1.7 million if global warming levels continue to rise.

Rotech Laboratories’ salt spray testing equipment

The Impact of Global Warming on Corrosive Environments

As global warming continues to heat the planet, a warmer atmosphere means that there is more water and precipitation within our air, leading to growing levels of humidity. As these weather conditions become wetter, infrastructures (buildings, railway lines, and utility supplies, for example) become more susceptible to corrosive damage and weakened material due to increased exposure to rainwater and its acidic properties.

Climate change has influenced the frequency and severity of flash flooding, increasing rain, and coastal and river flooding. When flooding occurs, salt and high contents of acids from the water can lead to rusting and corrosion of metallic fittings including fasteners, pipes, and fixtures; foundations can become compromised and cause structural damage and even collapsing or failure of vital framework; long­term effects from saturation damage can lead to metal corrosion; utility systems such as oil and gas storage tanks may leak, resulting in pollution to the environment, and additional risks to health and safety caused by contaminants and debris. The consequences can be devastating.

Buildings need to be able to withstand the increased frequency and levels of rainwater, so the materials that are used to create these buildings must be more resistant to corrosion.

Our Duty of Care

As an independent test laboratory, we have a duty of care to support our customers in a range of industries, by providing valuable advice and reliable testing for their material’s suitability and resistance to corrosion. We want to support our customers as they research and develop new products and materials that can withstand our ever­changing environment. We pride ourselves in giving reliable and accurate testing to make sure our customers’ products are compliant with relevant standards, and comprehensive analysis on corrosion of metals.

One of our most popular tests to evaluate corrosion is through carrying out salt spray testing. This is an effective way to replicate environments with high salt content and corrosive properties.

John Cross, General Manager at Rotech Laboratories, says: “Rotech have many years of experience in supporting its customers to ensure that their product is fit for purpose in both the UK and global markets. Through our experience and knowledge, we act as trusted advisors in helping our customers make the right choice in materials, processes, and testing methods and so help reduce costs, risk of field failures, and potential legal action. With our support they can operate with confidence in a tough marketplace.”

How Does Salt Spray Testing Help?

Salt Spray Testing is an accelerated corrosion test that helps to evaluate the resistance or susceptibility of materials. We analyse the quality of surface treatments to ensure that they are able to protect the material as intended. Coatings, platings, and powders applied to a material act as protective barriers, and our salt spray testing ensures that they are able to provide that service.

Salt spray testing helps companies identify if a chosen material is suitably resistant to corrosion in its intended environment

”SALT SPRAY TESTING HELPS US SEE THE WEAKNESSES OF A MATERIAL, SO IT’S A GREAT WAY TO FIND FLAWS OR DEFECTS IN RAW MATERIALS BEFORE PRODUCTION STARTS.“

A salt spray test subjects a sample or material to a saltconcentrated atmosphere for prolonged periods of time. Humidity and temperature changes can also be accommodated to provide a comprehensive environmental setting. This type of test replicates a highly corrosive atmosphere that the sample or material may experience in real service conditions.

The samples are then checked regularly to monitor corrosion and degradation levels.

It is important to understand that salt spray testing cannot predict the service life of a material. Instead, salt spray testing helps our customers to:

Identify if the material they have chosen for their product is suitably resistant to corrosion levels expected in its intended environment.

Provide a vital understanding of how the material will behave in a corrosive environment.

Highlights areas susceptible to weakening or high-risk areas of corrosion.

Identify design flaws, which can help to improve production processes and quality control.

Understanding the limitations of a particular material helps our customers to make informed decisions about their products and materials.

Rotech Laboratories’ Corrosion Science Department says: “Since salt is naturally found in many environments, it's important to know how materials react when they’re exposed to it.

“Salt spray testing helps us see the weaknesses of a material, so it’s a great way to find flaws or defects in raw materials before production starts. It gives our customers upfront information about their product and material, so they have confidence in the suitability and durability of their products in a corrosive setting.”

www.rotechlabs.co.uk

Salt spray testing can help to reveal a material’s weaknesses

”SINCE SALT IS NATURALLY FOUND IN MANY ENVIRONMENTS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW MATERIALS REACT WHEN THEY’RE EXPOSED TO IT..“

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Designed for OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 buyers, Torque Direct is produced by a team within Stag Publications with decades of experience in the fastener, fixings and related industries, including our sister publication Torque Magazine which targets distribution.

FASTENER FAIR ITALY

MEETING IN MILAN

Fastener Fair Italy returned to Milan for its third edition in November with a visitor turnout that reflected the diversity of markets within the fastener and fixing industry.

The third edition of Fastener Fair Italy once again graced the halls of the Fiera Milano City exhibition centre in Milan between 30 November and 1 December. Exhibitors and attendees from across the fastener and fixing industry came together during the two­day event to present new products, make new connections, and catch up with customers.

Strong European presence

Billed as Italy’s only trade fair event for the fastener and fixings sector, the exhibition welcomed 2,825 industry experts through the doors, of which more than 2,300 were trade visitors hailing from 48 countries around the world.

According to organiser Mack­Brooks, the visitor mix at the show “reflected the diversity of markets” in which the fastener and fixing industry operates. Attendees from a variety of sectors took to the show floor during the event, including metal products, distribution, automotive, construction, and mechanical engineering. The top visiting companies had a largely European sway, consisting of Italy, Germany, Turkey, the UK, France and Spain.

This trend largely continued from an exhibitor standpoint too, with the 205 companies that displayed their products and services during the event largely representing Italy, China, Germany and Turkey.

From walking the show floor, there appeared to be an air of positivity and optimism regarding the opportunity for face­toface meetings with current and potential customers, particularly on the first day of the show. Many exhibitors reported their satisfaction with the number of quality of visitors during the event, as well as the chance to connect with business partners and associates active in the Italian fastener market inperson now that the worst of the Covid­19 the pandemic is behind us.

Connecting in person

According to organiser Mack­Brooks, the support of Italy’s industrial sector and the significant presence of visitors and exhibitors at the show highlighted the event’s importance as a meeting place for national and international fastener professionals in one of Europe’s leading industrial economies.

“We can safely say that Fastener Fair Italy has been a success,” says Liljana Goszdziewski, Portfolio Director for the European Fastener Fairs. “It was the first major post­pandemic face­to­face event dedicated to the fastener and fixing sector in Italy. There’s nothing better than meeting in person to build lasting relationships, connect with industry peers and discover the latest innovations.”

The exhibition gave companies a platform to present new technologies and innovations, launch new products, and meet their customers, suppliers and business partners face­to­face. The show also offered several conference sessions and exhibitor presentations that prompted relevant discussions for the entire industrial fastener supply chain.

“The show allowed the entire sector to come together through relevant meetings rich in topical and fundamentally essential content,” Goszdziewski continues. “The sector is buoyant, and our show is proof of this.”

Italy’s fastener industry

The latest edition of Fastener Fair Italy seems to have indicated the strength of the Italian fastener and fixing market, backed up by international reports predicting annual growth of 2.3 percent between 2020­2025. This value covers all fastening systems within the industrial, manufacturing and automotive sectors as well as more specialised applications such as aerospace.

Pre­pandemic data was also positive, suggesting that Italian companies in the sector displayed a significant increase in turnover in recent years, with a growth of 6.2 percent in 2018 and 6.9 percent in 2019. While 2020 saw the sector record a decrease of 3.4 percent, this was a slight decline when compared with other markets around the world.

According to data from the Anima Confindustria Research Office, exports were the driving force of the Italian mechanic sector during the first half of 2022, growing nine percent compared to the same period in 2021 to a total value of 17.1 billion euros. Italy’s

250 exhibitors displayed their products during the show

pgb-Europe’s stand at Fastener Fair Italy 2022

Ambrovit had a large presence at the recent edition of the show

primary destination market for export remains the EU, up 15 percent and valued at over eight billion euros.

The most significant growth in percentage terms, however, occurred in the Americas, with North America seeing a 37 percent increase and Central and South America experiencing growth of 17 percent.

The fourth edition of Fastener Fair Italy will take place from 29­30 October 2024, once again at Fiera Milano City.

”THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN MEETING IN PERSON TO BUILD LASTING RELATIONSHIPS, CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY PEERS AND DISCOVER THE LATEST INNOVATIONS.“

SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS

FASTENERS IN FARNBOROUGH

Southern Manufacturing and Electronics returned for its 25th anniversary in February

The 25th edition of Southern Manufacturing and Electronics took place between 7­9 February 2023, bringing together exhibitors and attendees from across the mechanical engineering and electronics sectors.

Over its long history, the event has grown from a small, regional show to one of international significance, attracting companies from all over the world. The exhibition took place at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre and was co­located with AutoAero, dedicated to automotive and aerospace engineering.

The exhibition covers a wide range of industries within electronics and engineering, including electronics assembly and production, industrial machinery, energy, marine, metal processing, test and measurement, medical, mechanical engineering, packaging and logistics. The show organiser has since reported that exhibitors and visitors of this year’s event experienced a successful three days, with many commenting on the healthy state of the manufacturing and electronics industries.

Seminar sessions

Alongside the exhibition, a free seminar programme gave visitors the opportunity to discuss pressing topics that are currently facing the manufacturing and electronics sectors. The seminar programme was split into two tracks, one focused on electronics and the other on engineering.

The electronics­focused sessions covered an array of topics, ranging from the future of aerospace and additive manufacturing to effective strategy deployment, product testing considerations and optimising production to improve your bottom line. The engineering seminars, meanwhile, covered CE and UKCA marking, the changing IP landscape, digital factories, and how to take a product from concept to commercialisation.

Expert speakers from across the engineering and electronics sectors came together to deliver the educational sessions, which aimed to inform attendees on current developments and challenges within their respective fields.

AutoAero

Co­located alongside this year’s Southern Manufacturing and Electronics event, AutoAero is a highly specialised event geared towards suppliers to the UK’s aerospace and automotive engineering sectors. Known for its links to the aviation industry, Farnborough was chosen as the show’s location largely due to the fact that 22% of the UK’s £20 billion aerospace industry is located within the show’s catchment area.

Essentially, the event aims to provide the opportunity for automotive and aerospace buyers to source suppliers with the necessary skills and experience to assist with their projects across a wide range of engineering disciplines, such as precision engineering, electronics, testing and certification, and advanced materials.

During the event, attendees were able to see new products and technologies, discuss design challenges with experts, and take advantage of a comprehensive seminar programme. The show is billed as the first major event in the UK exhibition calendar, giving exhibitors the opportunity to present their products and services to thousands of key industry buyers.

The next edition of Southern Manufacturing and Electronics will take place between 6­8 February 2024, once again at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre.

www.industrysouth.co.uk

”THE EVENT HAS GROWN FROM A SMALL, REGIONAL SHOW TO ONE OF INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.“

Exhibitors reported healthy visitor numbers at this year’s show