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In this March issueâ€Ś Heavy duty anchors Fastener Fair Stuttgart report Manufacturing technology developments

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Issue 68 March 2011

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

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Emhart Teknologies Expertise in Fastening Solutions

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Lightweight. Ergonomic. Easy to use. Itâ€™s no wonder we are extremely proud of our POPÂŽ Power and Hand Tools range. Totally reliable, and robust enough for the toughest of jobs. The first choice for setting rivets and threaded inserts. Try one today. Call Emhart Customer Service on +31 43 750 2023. www.emhart.eu

Contents

42-46

Tel: +44 (0) 1727 739 150 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033

36-37 Beside you in the fastening world

Part of the Mack Brooks Group 18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 OJJ, UK

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Bossard focussing for effect

52-60

Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com Deputy Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry.whyte@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Claire Lake claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com Fastener + Fixing Magazine is a dedicated, trade-only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade.

Disclaimer

Fastener Fair Stuttgart report

94-113

The Publisher cannot be held responsible or, in any way, liable for errors or omissions, during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained is accurate and up to date. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or Fastener Fairs Limited.

62-86 Construction Fixings 6

Manufacturing Technology

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2011. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher. Annual subscription (6 issues) to non-trade and outside EU is €140.00

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It takes entrepreneurial courage Well, wasn’t it a great show? If you don’t know what I am talking about, then you must be one of the few that did not make it to Fastener Fair Stuttgart – in which case all I can say is what kept you from the Europe’s biggest and best fastener industry event? For a taste of what you missed take a look at our report starting on page 52.

here was one familiar face missing this year, of course: that of Jerry Ramsdale who founded the Fastener Fair in 1995 and sold his business last year to Mack Brooks Exhibitions. While I heard many, unquestionably justified, plaudits for how Mack Brooks had further developed and polished the show, it was rewarding that most who commented were also keen to recognise the remarkable entrepreneurship that lifted a relatively small UK show into the phenomenon that Stuttgart has become. Jerry would be the first to say it took a dedicated team and hard work to achieve that success (and he’d be right!) but, as always in entrepreneurship, the risk sat firmly on one set of shoulders – a level of personal business courage that, in my mind, fully deserves that recognition.

Anti-dumping update

As, or fairly soon after, you read this it will become clear whether the EU and/or China will have lodged an appeal against the WTO Panel Report on the carbon steel fastener antidumping regulation. The appeal deadline is 25th March. We will be keeping a close eye on proceedings and will, of course, report it at www.fastenerandfixing.com

Meanwhile, the timeframe for the European Commission’s decision on possible exemptions for Malaysian exporters scrutinised under the Circumvention Investigation has become clearer. While this magazine has not been able to elicit a formal response from the Commission it understands that Malaysian companies will be advised during March of the outcome of the investigatory visits carried out over the last few weeks. However, confirmation of exemptions, assuming there will be any, will not be published in the EU Official Journal until some when in April. It also looks highly probable that the Commission will shortly announce an anti-dumping investigation on stainless steel fasteners from Malaysia and the Philippines, plus anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations on stainless steel fasteners from India. The announcement has been expected since the EIFI’s withdrawal of its complaint against Malaysia and India last year. Anti-dumping measures on stainless fasteners from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia expired last November. At the same time the Commission confirmed the continuation of measures against China and Taiwan subject to an Expiry Review expected to conclude in November this year. Once again keep an eye on www.fastenerandfixing.com for more.

C ONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS Europe and World.....................................................................10-22 America.....................................................................................24-26 Asia........................................................................................... 28-30 Russia + CIS..............................................................................32-34

Anchoring in cellular concrete blocks.....................................80-82 PAT standards coming soon.......................................................... 86

COVER STORY Beside you in the fastening world . .........................................36-37

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY News.......................................................................................94-104 Electronics save time.................................................................. 106 Better testing for self-loosening........................................ 108-110 Heat treatment - new developments.................................. 112-113

EXHIBITIONS Events Calendar............................................................................38 News..............................................................................................40 Fastener Fair Stuttgart report.................................................52-56 Route to Fastener Innovation winners..........................................60 Totally Shows report.................................................................... 142 INSIGHT Bossard focussing for effect....................................................42-46 Owlett-Jaton trading portal is a hit..............................................48 Tacke + Lindeman - the safe choice ............................................50 TIMco makes space to grow.......................................................... 84 CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS News........................................................................................ 62-68 Heco’s new generation screw.......................................................70 Heavy duty anchors................................................................. 72-78

CATALOGUE RACK Italy............................................................................................89-92

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS News.................................................................................... 128-130 Hunting for cash in the warehouse.....................................132-134 FOCUS ON Decking, wood + collated screws/nail systems.................. 136-138 PRODUCT NEWS Application technology news................................................114-126 Tools news.............................................................................140-144 Products news..................................................................... 146-160 RECRUITMENT & ADVERTISERS INDEX................................... 162

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

news

Bossard: Best result in company history Further detailing its 2010 results Bossard Group reported that consolidated net income tripled, rising from CHF 15.3 million to CHF 44.9 millon (approximately 34.6 million euros).

EO David Dean commented: “This is the best result by far in our company’s history, and reflects our high performance level across all the regions where we operate and our focus on business areas with high value added.” Bossard had previously reported group sales increased by 25.2% in total currencies, when converted to Swiss Francs totaling CHF 477.6 million (approximately 377 million euros). Sales in Europe and America both rose by more than 21%, with Asian sales increases by more than 46% to CHF 87.5 million. Bossard reported “very satisfactory development of gross profit” which totalled CHF188.4 million, with a margin improvement from 37% to 39.5% - attributed to the Group’s changed product mix, with a higher share of customised solutions and special parts. Bossard said its “optimised logistics and farsighted procurement policy also impacted favourably on gross profit”. Costs rose less strongly than sales: operating costs without depreciation and amortisation rose year on year by 12.8% to CHF130.7 million. Financial expenses were halved year on year to CHF 1.1 million. “Thanks to stringent inventory and receivables management” net working capital rose less strongly than sales, impacting positively on free cash flow and reducing costs of borrowing. EBIT doubled to CHF 47.3 million, with all business units contributing to the result. Expressing optimism for 2011, Bossard acknowledged continuing volatile currencies and the related price increases on the procurement markets as risks. CFO Stephan Zehnder concluded: “Overall, however, we look to the future with confidence, because the forecasts made by our customers and the market indicators relevant for our operations point to continuing growth of the world economy. We want to exploit this positive market environment and have set ourselves a double-digit sales growth target in local currencies.”

NORMA Group plans IPO NORMA Group is preparing for its initial public offering on the Prime Standard of the regulated market of Frankfurt Stock Exchange during the first half of 2011.

ommerzbank, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs International have been appointed as Joint Global Coordinators and Bookrunners. The envisaged free float of approximately 50 to 60 percent includes new shares from a planned capital increase. Expected gross proceeds from the sale of the new shares will be around 150 million euros. NORMA Group intends to use the proceeds to partially repay its financial liabilities and strengthen its financial flexibility to support further organic and acquisitive growth. NORMA Group manufactures and sells a wide range of high-quality engineered joining technology solutions in three product categories: clamp, connect and fluid. Headquartered in Maintal, Germany, it has a global network, including seventeen manufacturing and distribution facilities as well as ten sales and distribution sites across Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. The company offers more than 35,000 products and solutions to approximately 10,000 customers in a wide range of industries, including agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, engines, aviation, infrastructure/construction/water

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

management, passenger vehicles, railway, white goods, wholesalers and technical distributors. “The engineered joining technology market is facing exciting changes,” says Werner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group. “Various trends are continuing to impact our customer end markets, and thus their demand for joining technology products. Being a technology and innovation leader in engineered joining technologies, we are excellently positioned to benefit from these developments.” NORMA Group has been built on organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The company was established in 2006 through the merger of Rasmussen and ABA, two European leaders in engineered joining technologies. In 2007, NORMA Group acquired Breeze Industrial Products Corporation in the United States significantly enhancing its geographical reach as well as its product and brand portfolio. In 2010, NORMA Group made two further acquisitions in the United States – R.G. RAY and Craig Assembly. NORMA Group generated around 490 million euros in revenue in 2010.

news

fischer set for growth The fischer group of companies announced 2010 sales rose 11.7% to 582 million euros. The group saw growth in all four of its business divisions and expects further good growth figures in 2011.

n 2009 fischer responded quickly to the global financial crisis by adjusting its cost structures and optimising its processes. fischer intensified its efforts to continuously improve all corporate processes. In spite of the resulting increase in productivity and sales falling at the same time, fischer did not cut its workforce – one reason, it says, it could handle the unexpectedly rapid upswing in 2010 with a virtually unchanged workforce. Growth came from the breadth of the entire company, with fixing systems – the most important division accounting for around 80% of group sales – reporting two-figure growth. Every region reported increases, with countries abroad playing an increasingly important role. At home, fischer also significantly increased its sales. Sales in fischer’s automotive systems division, specialising in kinematic components and high-grade plastic surfaces for car interiors, also showed a positive upward trend. The division was particularly badly hit by the global crisis in the automobile industry in 2009 but has since benefited from the strong growth in the automobile premium segment. The division also succeeded in gaining new customers – some by taking over jobs and contracts from competitors in distress or in insolvency. The fischertechnik division (construction toys) showed a plus in sales for the sixth year in succession, with a two-figure growth in 2010. fischer Consulting, established in 2004 to draw

together fischer’s experience in the continuous process improvement, also reported growth. fischer maintains its efforts in in-house and advanced training and staff qualification. fischer’s promotion pool, a two-year qualifying scheme for potential young executives from the company’s own ranks, has been a resounding success. Some of its twelve members have taken on additional responsibilities and a second twelve-member pool has just started. Since June 2010, fischer has also greatly intensified its free training offer to employees. The Klaus Fischer BildungsZentrum offers seminars and courses in 16 different areas and has received an overwhelming response with more than 1,500 people attending courses. fischer also aims to promote the general and political education of its young people. As well as internal seminars, trainees are given the opportunity to see political and business institutions at close range, resulting in 50 fischer trainees travelling to the EU Parliament in Strasbourg. fischer’s plan for the current financial year is to develop new markets and new groups of customers. The continuing internationalisation of the business will play a major role in these plans. Today, fischer sells its products in over 100 countries and operates in 31 countries with 35 of its own national companies – the last national companies were set up in Turkey and in the USA.

Böllhoff reports 30% growth for 2010 The Böllhoff Group, headquartered at Bielefeld, Germany, reported that 2010 sales grew 30% to around 400 million euros.

n an interview with Zeitung Westfalen-Blatt (westfalen-blatt.de) Böllhoff senior management said the main increase came from the automotive sector, and outside of Germany the Asian region contributed most strongly. Eastern Europe was slower to recover but is expected to contribute moderate growth during 2011. Demand from the wider mechanical engineering segment only came back in the second half of 2010. Böllhoff currently employs 2,000 people in 21 countries and has production facilities in Germany, Brazil, USA, China, France, Italy and India. Fifty percent of sales is now generated outside of Germany. Growth came not only from the improvement in market conditions. Managing director Dr. Gerson Meschut told Westfalen-Blatt investment in research and development was not curtailed even in the difficult 2009 year and strategic projects continued to be driven. Böllhoff is currently bringing a new technology into full operation with a car maker. Böllhoff plans to invest 24 million euros in plant and equipment, slightly over half the figure being committed to Germany, primarily at its Bielefeld headquarters. The Böllhoff management also emphasised the importance of its employees, who received a profit share in the 2010 results, in its growth plans. It expects the employment level to increase to 2,200 worldwide during 2011.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Ambrovit is one of Europe’s largest wholesale distributors of chipboard, self-tapping and self-drilling screws. Thanks to its new automated warehouse, Ambrovit is now able to store around 20,000 ready-to-ship pallets as well as offer a Special Service to guarantee quick delivery. AMBROVIT S.R.L. • 27026 Garlasco (PV) Italy - Via Giulio Natta, 29 • Ph. +39 0382 810280 - Fax +39 0382 810700 • sales@ambrovit.it - www.ambrovit.it

news

BAFD alerts UK minister to origin marking dangers The chairman of the British Association of Fastener Distributors has written to UK Trade Minister of State, Mark Prisk, expressing the association’s deep concern over proposed EU legislation requiring country of origin marking on fastener products.

riting on 18th February Jim Barker describes the European Parliament resolution “on the indication of the country of origin of certain products imported from third countries” as having “potentially massive cost implications for the UK fastener distribution industry – and it would seem for many, many other UK companies, be they manufacturers, distributors or retailers.” First of seven major concerns outlined by Barker is that “This resolution has been carried through apparently without any stakeholder consultation, despite the fact that industry is known to have serious objections.” On a pragmatic level BAFD contends that such legislation would not prevent counterfeit or sub standard product from entering the market. “Companies capable of counterfeiting engineered product,” says Barker, “would have no difficulty replicating a ‘made in’ mark on product or packaging”. Barker sees the resolution as “a furtherance of the narrow based and highly protectionist aspirations of a minority of European fastener manufacturers” that would “place a major administrative burden and additional costs on fastener distributors, which would inevitably be passed onto fastener users throughout UK

manufacturing and construction sectors as well as consumers.” Barker also believes that such legislation would “send a highly counterproductive signal to the UK’s trading partners throughout the world precisely at the time when British industry least needs to face countermeasures from important target markets as a result of illthought out and narrow interest EU legislation”. “BAFD’s position is that there is no reason to interfere with the current European and national rules on marking and determining origin,” says Barker. “Where fasteners are required for safety critical applications, European Technical Approvals, requirements for CE marking, and industry specific certification procedures, such as Automotive PPAP, already exist to provide critical quality assurance and confirmation of origin”. “BAFD has requested the Minister’s assurances that the UK will adamantly oppose the adoption of this resolution by the Council of Europe,” Barker explains. “To date we have not received a response from Mr Prisk. I hope it will be forthcoming and that it will match the Department of Business, Innovations and Skills’ repeated commitment to alleviating, not compounding, the bureaucratic burden on UK industry.”

Interfast commits to aerospace JV in China Global aerospace and industrial fastener distributor, Interfast Inc signed a letter of intent with China’s AVIC International Zhuhai Company Limited to create a joint venture company that will supply specialised fasteners and hardware, fastening systems, and value-added services to the growing aerospace market in China and Asia-Pacific Rim.

nterfast was in Hong Kong as part of a trade mission arranged by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to attend the 2011 Asian Aerospace International Expo and Conference. “We’re very pleased to partner with AVIC International Zhuhai Co. on this significant initiative to create a premier fastener integrator for the Chinese aerospace market that will service the growing needs of both the domestic Chinese aerospace community, as well as international aerospace manufacturers, airlines and maintenance repair and overhaul facilities,” says Peter Oleck, president, Interfast Inc. “Interfast is a leader in the supply of specialised aerospace fasteners and brings customised supply chain logistics and management programs that minimise costs and maximise competitiveness. AVIC International Zhuhai Co. is an influential, state-owned enterprise, whose parent company (AVIC) has been in charge of China’s aerospace programmes related to high-quality aerospace research & development and manufacturing, and has become more and more acknowledged by the global aerospace industries.” The joint venture company will be located in Zhuhai City in Guangdong Province in China. Interfast has worked with AVIC since 1995 and has a long history of servicing customers in China, working both with global aircraft manufacturers as well as Chinese aircraft manufacturers.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

news

New approvals for Andrews Fasteners Andrews Fasteners, Leeds based supplier of M10 to M110 quality assured fasteners, was audited by Lloyds in November and accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2008 (previously accredited by NQA), CE Approval to BS EN 14399 (preload) and BS EN 15048 (non preload) and National Highways Sector Scheme 3 for Stocking and Distribution Activities for Mechanical Fasteners.

ichael Carey, managing director commented: “This is an important step in the one hundred year history of Andrews Fasteners.” He added: “CE Approval and Sector Scheme 3 accreditation will soon be a major requirement of buyers of structural fasteners. Without the extensive investment Andrews made in testing equipment – which is kept in-house – neither of these approvals would have been achieved”. The use of CE approved fasteners is not yet a legal requirement in the UK although it is in most EU member states. However, it soon will be. In 2013 the Construction Product Directive is expected to become a regulation requiring the use of CE Approved products in the UK construction industry. Many fabrication companies in the UK are already specifying that their products are CE approved as they prepare for the changeover. “Andrews has been buying CE Approved products since 2006,” says Carey. “However we have not been able to offer a full service to our customers due to the requirements of the Construction Product Directive. Now Andrews has the approval we will be able to change the plating finish of items and supply them as CE Approved. Using our extensive range of blanks Andrews can also now convert them into bolts and supply as CE Approved. This means that Andrews will be in a position to provide non standard items or items not commonly available in the market place CE approved.” From September 2011 all fasteners used on UK Highways Agency projects must be supplied by a company accredited to the National Highways Sector Scheme 3. “The British Construction Steel Association (BCSA) has stated in the latest edition of its purchasing specification for fasteners, that fasteners should only be purchased from companies who are accredited to this scheme,” explains Michael Carey. “These approvals ensure Andrews Fasteners continues to be at the forefront of the industry in meeting the latest quality requirements in the supply of structural fasteners.”

Big price increases for industrial adhesives Henkel has announced it is applying price increases ranging from 10 to 25 percent on in its industrial adhesives, which includes brands such as Loctite, Terosen, technomelt and Hysol.

he increase is attributed to “ongoing escalation of raw material costs over the last 15 months, especially affecting oil and natural gas based products.” Henkel goes on to say: “Continual spikes in global demand, coupled with capacity constraints in primary chemical, rosin, and resin feed stocks, have further tightened supply and driven raw material prices upward”. Henkel expects to have to apply further price increases in the following product categories: hotmelts, polyurethane, water based adhesives and surface treatment products.

Tata Steel raises UK wire rod prices Tata Steel announced a minimum £125 (145 euros) per tonne increase in the price for wire rod from its Scunthorpe Rod Mill effective from April.

ome grades will increase by as much as £150 per tonne. Tata Steel (formerly known as Corus) says the price rise is being driven by continuing increases in raw material costs as well as improvement in demand for the product. Prices for April deliveries of Scunthorpe wire rod in all other markets will also increase by between £125 and £150 per tonne equivalent. Andrew Parker, commercial manager, wire rod and bright conversion, for Tata Steel’s European operations, said: “The cost of both iron ore and coking coal continues to rise to such an extent that we have to raise our prices. Market demand levels have also continued to improve, which supports a much-needed price correction throughout the supply chain.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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news

Nord-Lock wheel nut certified by TÜV The Nord-Lock wheel nut has achieved safety and quality certification by the pre-eminent German inspection organisation TÜV. Nord-Lock highlights that no other wheel nut on the market has both the Nord-Lock safety features as well as the TÜV approval.

he two step testing process included approval of the Nord-Lock production facilities as well as product testing. The product testing was so extensive that it would correspond to the lifetime of a truck. In the testing the Nord-Lock wheel nut performed so well that the testing procedures will now become an approval programme for any following products. The Nord-Lock wheel nut eliminates unintentional loosening when assembled correctly. Loose wheel nuts are the primary cause of wheel detachment from heavy vehicles.

Half a century for Vaughan Jones Vaughan Jones Socket Screws Ltd of Wetherby, Yorkshire, UK, will be celebrating its 50th year in business in 2011.

he company originally based in Perth then Dundee in Scotland moved to its present site in Wetherby in 1972 which has nearly 14,000 square feet of production space & offices. Today Vaughan Jones has changed beyond all recognition with brand new sliding head technology supplied by Star Micronics and Citizen Machinery used to manufacture the special fasteners and turned parts, supplied to customers throughout the UK and abroad. The company says it has survived all this time by a continual investment programme in modern machines. “Since 2001 we have invested nearly £750,000 in new machinery which now lets us compete with the best in the world”, states managing director Jeremy Hornby. “In the early days we had manual machines with one man to one machine, when the man went home the machine was turned off. Today with our new technology we can run un-manned during nights and weekends giving us a 168 hour week against the olden days of barely 40 hours a week.”

CBM reaps the rewards for thinking long-term Britain’s biggest trade association for the metals industry, the Confederation of British Metalforming, has welcomed another manufacturing organisation to its Black Country HQ.

he Gauge and Toolmakers Association (GTMA) - which represents 280 companies, mainly in the tool and die, precision engineering and tool-making sectors - will now operate from the CBM’s National Metalforming Centre on the outskirts of West Bromwich, UK. CBM president, Alan Shaw, said the GTMA would benefit from his organisation’s back office and administration structure, and have access to its manufacturing resource centre, and other membership facilities. “We’re delighted to welcome them, there are obvious synergies to having them here, and I’m sure their members will benefit significantly from the move.” The NMC was built ten years ago, a decision Shaw describes as “an ambitious and far-sighted move” in creating “a purpose built headquarters, which which could house our specialist officers, offer space for training, conferences and outside events, and be a focal point for British industry”. GTMA president, Alan Pearce, says the move will place the association at the centre of the country’s manufacturing heartland. “Our previous facilities often fell short of the needs of the membership. This move will address their requirements, and provide further prospects to expand their businesses.” He added: “The NMC site offers a wealth of engineering disciplines, and a vast pool of knowledge. I am sure this move will provide increased opportunities for the GTMA supply chain of member companies.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

news

Two out of one: J.H. de Wit en Zonen B.V. becomes two independent companies De Wit B.V. will in future concentrate on house brands and private labels – the new firm of Don Quichotte B.V. will take over the sales and marketing of the brand of the same name.

he Dutch firm of J.H. de Wit en Zonen B.V., Helmond, has restructured its service and product portfolio. Under the name of De Wit B.V., it will be concentrating, with immediate effect, on high-quality house brands and private labels in the market for fixing and fastening products. The service offered covers the whole spectrum from start to finish, from purchasing and production through making-up and labelling, to packaging and logistics. The highly successful product brand Don Quichotte, hitherto marketed by J.H. de Wit en Zonen B.V., will henceforth be marketed independently under the name of Don Quichotte B.V. The new company will concentrate on the marketing of userfriendly products for fixing and fastening applications. The management remains unchanged: the managing director of both companies is Willem van Zantvoort, the sales and marketing director Jan-Willem van der Wijngaart. Both attach the utmost importance to the fact that basically nothing will change for the customers of J.H. de Wit en Zonen B.V. following the restructuring measures: “The contact persons in Helmond and at our branches will be the same as before. And that also goes for the high quality of our products and consulting services.” Customers will nevertheless be informed in detail by post and also through personal contact. The “new” firm of De Wit B.V. sees itself as a full service provider for house brands and private labels in the field of fastening technology. Managing director Willem van Zantvoort says: “Our longstanding experience in many different branches

of industry makes for good quality products with attractive contribution margins and, by the same token, definite competitive advantages.” Van Zantvoort also draws attention to the exclusivity and incomparability of De Wit products as an essential contribution to the strength of the customer’s brand: “That likewise strengthens the bond between ourselves and our customers and also ensures complete independence from industrial brands.” De Wit’s managing director enumerates further advantages for the customer: a market-oriented product assortment, constantly high product quality, fast logistics and flexible packaging and labelling systems. Besides special sanitary and electrical installation products, De Wit offers a large portfolio of standard fastening and installation materials ranging from hardened steel nails to nail plugs and push-in terminals. In contrast to De Wit, the firm of Don Quichotte is focussed exclusively on trade users. Van Zantvoort says: “The final users are craftsmen who attach importance to time-saving assembly, good quality and reliable function. These are the features that have distinguished the Don Quichotte brand worldwide for the past 90 years. And the renaming of the company will not change anything for our customers.” Marketing director Jan-Willem van der Wijngaart adds: “Optimised processes guarantee short routes and fast availability of our entire product assortment. And it is indeed a large assortment, ranging from hardware and fastening materials for electrical and sanitary installation through to products for the building industry, especially drywall installation”.

PennEngineering appoints global product manager PennEngineering® has appointed LillyAnna Penn to the position of global product manager with responsibility for the company’s assembled line of products.

mong her duties, Penn will develop and drive short- and long-term strategy for the continued growth of the company’s multi-component fastener lines, including PEM® brand panel fasteners. Penn most recently served as strategic accounts marketing manager for Ingersoll Rand.

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04.03.11 09:2

news

Fastener + Fixing Technology focuses on India Fastener + Fixing Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell announced the launch of a new Technology magazine at the recent Fastener Fair Stuttgart.

he first issue of Fastener + Fixing Technology will be available at Fastener Fair – India, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai 16th -17th April 2011. Copies will be distributed to visitors attending both Fastener Fair India and BLECH India, alongside which the fastener show will run. “Circulation of additional copies will be carefully targeted to designers, engineers and fastener buyers in key Indian growth industries,” Jamie Mitchell said. “These include automotive and other transport engineering, electronic and electrical manufacturing, machinery, power generation, civil engineering and construction.” The new magazine will be edited by Will Lowry, extending his current responsibilities as deputy editor of Fastener + Fixing Magazine. “Fastener + Fixing Technology will be distinctive in having a readership of technical, commercial and production managers sourcing and using fasteners and fixings in these industries. Editorial content will, therefore, be strongly application oriented, supported by updates on product developments and news from companies supplying or interested in supplying the Indian fastener market.” “We will be carefully evaluating the response to the first issue,” explained Jamie Mitchell, “but anticipate Fastener + Fixing Technology developing as a quarterly print publication, which will also be available online in digital format. It will be supported by an active web presence to further expand its circulation, initially in India but depending on interest potentially in other significant fastener usage markets.”

Ferroforma exhibitor numbers crash again Ferroforma, the hardware fair staged every two years in Bilbao, Northern Spain, has announced that “almost 500 firms” from 26 countries have committed to exhibit 23rd -26th March.

hat total compares with 776 companies at the 2009 show, in turn a shadow of the 2007 event, which filled all six halls at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre with 1,314 exhibiting companies. 51% of the 2011 participants will come from outside Spain – 31% from the rest of Europe, 5% from the Americas and 15% from Asia. Judged on the exhibitor list now available at the Ferroforma website fastener industry involvement has also diminished substantially. Confirmed exhibitors include Bossard Spain, Fabory Portugal, Vipa Hispania, Fastenex (the association of small Spanish producers), Pecol from Portugal, Norma Iberia and a handful of other Spanish fastener suppliers. Other major Spanish names such as Index, Chavesbao, ABC Spain, Celo and Panelfisa do not appear on the list. The Bilbao Exhibition Centre has been energetic in campaiging to potential exhibitors with a “policy of reasonably prices and new forms of financing”. Ferroforma and Bricoforma have also been thrown open to user visitors and BEC is extending special packages to international visits and also for trade specialist visitors that include accommodation, meals, parking and accreditation at “highly attractive prices”. The event will also include seminars for hardware specialists and users of tools and other hardware products, featuring presentations, round tables, and case studies of successful hardware businesses and demonstration contests for vehicle repair shops and specialist installers.

iPod reward for spotting rivet Rivco Ltd, a distributor of Huck® fasteners, blind rivets, rivet nuts and associated setting tools, has announced that the winner of its first Christmas calendar 2011 prize was Rob Haycock form Mettex Fasteners Limited, Newcastle Under Lyme.

ob is pictured receiving his iPod touch and docking station from Maureen Edwards, Rivco’s sales office manager. The Christmas calendar competition involved entrants spotting a rivet set in the photographic landscape calendar pictures of the town of Bewdley. Rivco received over 100 replies, with entrants using a form on Rivco’s website to enter the competition. “Although we had over 100 replies, only 28 were completed correctly,” explains Steve Auld, managing director at Rivco. “We sent all the calendars to our customers and suppliers and we had entries from all over Europe, Asia and indeed the Middle East. We would like to thank all the other contestants who entered the prize draw and we hope Rob enjoys listening to his new iPod touch.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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Is su e

1 A p ri l

2011 w w w .f

a st fi xt

e ch n o

lo g y. co

www.fastfixtechnology.com

american news By John Wolz editor@GlobalFastenerNews.com

FIN SURVEY: Widespread sales growth in 2010 recovery Three-quarters of fastener companies participating in the FIN Survey claimed “Moderate” to “Strong” increases in sales and profit during 2010. Those results follow a difficult 2009, when less than one in ten fastener firms reported sales growth.

51% majority of distributors and manufacturers achieved moderate sales growth in 2010, while an additional 21% reported strong sales increases. Just over 18% of fastener companies said sales were stagnant in 2010, with an additional 2% claiming sales fell during the year. The fastener industry also saw its bottom line improved in 2010, with 75% of FIN Survey participants reporting moderate to strong profit gains. Half of all fastener companies claimed moderate improvement in profit, with an additional 25% achieving strong net earnings growth and 19% saw their bottom line stabilize. The big picture looks even brighter in 2011, with 82% of fastener companies predicting sales growth. About 65% of companies estimate the growth will be “moderate,” while 17% forecast “strong” revenue growth. Just under two in ten FIN Survey participants expect sales to flatline in 2011. Profits are expected to rise as well in the coming year, with 62% of companies anticipating “moderate” profit improvement and 10% eyeing a “strong” increase in net earnings. In 2010 the FIN Sales Index more than doubled to 3.8 from the previous year’s 1.84 - the lowest level since FIN began tracking fastener industry sales in 1994. At 3.6 the FIN Profit Index rebounded from 2009’s record low 2.14. This year the sales index forecasts moderate growth to 4.1 and the profit index forecasted to gain more than 11% to 4.

Alcoa to acquire TransDigm’s aerospace fastener business Alcoa agreed to purchase the aerospace fastener business of TransDigm Group Inc., a leading global designer, producer and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components.

he new business will become part of Alcoa Fastening Systems. The transaction is valued at approximately US$240 million (171.5 million euros) and is expected to be earnings and cash flow accretive in the first year. “This acquisition is an important step for Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS), said Vitaliy Rusakov, president, Alcoa Fastening Systems. “It is a part of our strategic plan to accelerate the growth of our business, add efficiencies, broaden our technology base and expand our product offering to better serve our customers and increase shareholder value.” “The TransDigm global aerospace fastener business offers a strong portfolio of complementary products and is well known in the aerospace industry for producing highly engineered precision fastening solutions used for critical airframe, engine and equipment applications.”

The deal comes weeks after TransDigm acquired the fastener business when it purchased McKechnie Aerospace in December 2010 following a bidding war with other aerospace companies, including Precision Castparts Corp. The three TransDigm fastener manufacturing facilities, employing 400 people, are located in Sylmar, California, as well as Redditch and Leicester in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1925 and 1950s respectively, the Redditch, Sylmar and Leicester facilities have provided a wide variety of high-strength, high temperature nickel alloy specialty engine fasteners, airframe bolts and slotted entry bearings. The transaction is expected to complete during the first quarter of 2011, subject to customary regulatory reviews and approvals. Employment levels will remain the same.

Darling returns as Porteous vice president - materials After one year of semi-retirement of working 32 hours a week, Bruce Darling has returned to his vice president / materials management role at Porteous Fastener Company.

arling has been with Porteous for 20 years. He started in the fastener industry 43 years ago with Bosco Fastening Service Center in Dallas. He has made over 35 trips to the Orient, 1,500 visits to more than 400 factories or trading companies in Canada, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the U.S. Founded in 1966, Southern California-based Porteous Fastener Company is an importer/master distributor of construction and industrial fasteners selling only to distributors. Porteous has 17 branches in the U.S. and Canada.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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american news

Acument finalizes German subsidiary deal Acument Global Technologies completed the sale of its German operations to two companies: India-based Ruia Group and Magna International’s Cosma unit in Ontario, Canada.

ommunications director Timothy Weir told FIN: “Acument initiated the insolvency process for our former Germany business in August 2009 in response to the impact of the global recession on our operations in the country.” He added: “The insolvency process ended (in February 2011) with the sale of Acument Germany’s operations.” “This sale further reinforces our company’s strategic focus on the core transportation markets in North and South America,” Weir stated. Ruia Group acquired Acument GmbH & Co KG, an automotive fasteners manufacturer, which included facilities in Neuss, Beckingen, Neuwied and Schorzberg, as well as a logistic center in Koln. Group president Pawan Ruia said his company’s investment is 4 million euros. He expects turnover to top 200 million euros in 2011. These operations are now combined to form Ruia Global Fasteners AG, a business unit of Ruia Group that will be led by

former Acument Europe GM Robin Kendrick. With the acquisition, Ruia has formed an “Auto Ancillary & Sealing System” unit that includes earlier acquisitions Schlegel Automotive Europe Ltd and Henniges, as well as Ruia Global Fasteners AG. Cosma, an automotive chassis system supplier, acquired the former Acument Dürbheim facility in December 2010. Acument GmbH, which produces such high precision fasteners as long shafted bolts, hexagonal screws, nuts and forged parts, was reckoned to hold a 15% market share in Europe’s fastener segment. Before insolvency, the company reportedly posted a turnover of 800 million euros. While Acument no longer manufactures fasteners in Germany, the Troy, MI-based company will continue to ship fasteners from its North and South American facilities directly to automotive customers’ plants and logistics centers in Germany.

Haggerty heads Stelfast commercial division

Elgin Fastener Group expands through acquisition

Don Haggerty is the new president of the commercial division of Stelfast Inc., owner Simmi Sakhuja announced.

Elgin Fastener Group acquired Kansas City, MO-based Silo Fasteners. Established in 1990, Silo Fasteners provides fasteners for highway construction, concrete form, and general distribution.

ince 2005 Haggerty had been the east vice president of Porteous Fastener Co. Previously he was CEO of Heads & Threads International, becoming executive vice president when New York-based Alleghany Corporation acquired Reynolds in 2000. Alleghany sold HTI in a management buyout in 2004. Founded in 1972 as Eses Limited by Surinder Sakhuja to manufacture industrial gears and screw machine products the company developed into a manufacturer and master distributor of fasteners and became Stelfast in 1976. Stelfast has branches in Illinois, New Jersey, Georgia, Texas, Ontario, Quebec and Alberta and is headquartered in Strongsville, Ohio.

FG will relocate the Silo Fasteners machinery and selected production personnel to its Ohio Rod Products facility in Versailles, IN. EFG said the acquisition, effective 7th February, provides entry to new markets, as well as expansion of it’s current participation in the construction market. Elgin Fastener Group has four ISO certified domestic specialty fastener manufacturers – Ohio Rod Products, Leland Powell Fasteners, Chandler Products, Precision Screw & Bolt; plus Best Metal Finishing and the engineering and international procurement division Elgin Fasteners International.

Fastenal CEO pay jumps six-fold in 2010 After taking a big pay cut in 2009, Fastenal Co. CEO Will Oberton, saw his pay increase more than sixfold in 2010, according to company documents filed with the SEC.

hen Oberton was paid US$485,000 in 2009, he was widely considered to be one of the most underpaid CEOs in the U.S. The previous year he was paid US$1.7 million. Last year the Winona-based company compensated Oberton more than US$3.15 million - most of it in the form of bonuses based on incentive plans. His base salary was US$482,500 in 2010. Fastenal reported 2010 sales grew 17.6% to US$2.27 billion (1.6 billion euros), while net earnings jumped 44% to US$265.4 million (190 million euros). Oberton, 52, joined Fastenal in 1980 as a part-time warehouse worker, according to the company’s website. He was named president of the company in July 2001 and has served as CEO since December 2002.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Hyo Dong cold header installed at Slidematic Cinco Industries installed the first Hyo Dong Model HBF-5181 cold header from South Korea imported into U.S. at Slidematic Precision Components in Rockford, IL.

inco president Ray Sullivan noted the 88,000lbs model has CNC capabilities and 99 jobs can be stored in memory. It can cut off up to 18mm diameter wire. Slidematic is a cold heading manufacturer of fasteners from .030 to 1.625 diameters with lengths up to 13 inches. Cinco Industries, based in Elgin, IL, markets new and used fastener machinery.

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asian news

China Steel increases wire rod prices Taiwan’s state owned steel giant, China Steel Corporation, announced domestic steel price increases averaging 12.1% effective for April/May shipments.

aking the announcement China Steel referred to the upward revision of the IMF’s 2011 global GDP growth projections to 4.4%. It also noted that the World Steel Association now estimated worldwide apparent steel use would grow 5.3% to reach a record 1.34 billion metric tonnes this year. Looking specifically at raw material supply conditions China Steel said: “Affected by flood crisis in Australia and natural disasters in Brazil, global coking coal and iron ore prices continued to pick up, causing steel mills production cost to increase over US$150 per tonne. To avoid losses, steel mills over the world were forced to raise steel prices.” The Group said it had faced “tremendous pressure from the increasing raw material prices in the first quarter” but appreciation of the New Taiwan Dollar had meant that average domestic selling prices had dropped below international prices. However, it said, “due to recent NT$ depreciation and escalating international steel prices, most downstream industries had

enjoyed increased orders and product prices”. As a result it concluded, “to avoid operational losses, CSC had no choice but to reflect the increase in raw material cost and raise the weighted average prices of steel products by NT$2,811/MT (+12.1%).” The actual increase on bars and rod will be NT$2,500 per tonne (equating to US$85 or around 62 euros) slightly below the majority of other steel grades. Feng Hsin announced it was adding NT$1,000 to its wire rod prices, which Fastener World reports is similar to increases applied by Dragon Steel, Yieg Hsing and Quintain Steel, and brings the mill price to around NT$25,900 (approximately US$880 or 640 euros). Year to date Feng Hsin has increased by slightly over 5% but Fastener World expects it will catch up with the China Steel level. In Mainland China major steel producers including BaoSteel and Wuhan were reported by Chinafastener.info to have increased March general steel levels by around US$45 per tonne based on raw material cost increases.

Taiwan fastener output up 61% in last three quarters 2010 In a February interview with Taiwan Economic News Taiwan Industrial Fastener Institute chairman, Joe Chen, confirmed that Taiwan’s fastener output for the last three quarters of 2010 was worth NT$83.4 billion (over 2 billion euros) up 61% on the same period in 2009.

roduction volume totalled more than 940,000 metric tonnes. Exports accounted for NT$75 billion (approximately 1.85 billion euros) of the total output and were up 55% year on year. Output for the full year was expected to reach between 1.1 and 1.2 million metric tonnes with a value of more than NT$110 billion according to a report from Taiwan’s Metal Industries Research and Development Centre. In the interview, available at www.cens.com, Chen says that he encountered considerable opposition when planning last year’s Kaohsiung Fastener Show notably from co-organisers over the limited size of the venue at the Kaohsiung Arena and its distance from Taipei, which was seen as inconvenient to international participants. TIFI’s main partner was TAITRA, Taiwan’s external trade development council. Chen insisted on the show being staged in Kaohsiung, a position he considers validated by the international buyer attendance and the numbers that took advantage of visiting nearby factories during their trip. A breakdown of the visitor numbers suggests that of the 17,000 visitors around 1,400 buyers were from the US, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia and the Middle East. Chen told CENS that TIFI planned to hold the show at the same venue every two years but then went onto say the next show could be in 2012 or 2013 in late March.

Rodex sales rise 59% YOY in January Rodex Fasteners told the Taiwan Stock Exchange that its unconsolidated sales in January rose 59.71% to NT$206 million (5.1 million euros). Bloomburg reports full year 2010 sales at NT$2.6 billion (63.6 million euros) up 66% year-on-year.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

asian news

India quadruples iron ore export duty The world’s third largest exporter of iron ore is to quadruple export duties on iron ore fines from 5% to 20%. Duty on higher grade lump ore will increase from 15% to 20%.

he move, announced as part of the Indian government’s budget for 2011-12 fiscal year, reflects rapidly increasing steel demand in the domestic market. The additional duty is not expected to significantly effect export volumes while world prices are at current levels but will put pressure on exporters’ margins. World iron ore spot prices hit US$193/tonne in February but eased slightly in early March to around US$180/tonne. Second quarter iron ore contracts for steel makers are based on an index related to spot market trend. Australian mining giant BHP Billiton is reported to have informed contract customers the second quarter cost for iron ore will increase to US$168/tonne FOB from US$155/tonne in January. Steel makers fear further increases for Quarter 3 if ore spot prices remain strong.

Coking coal, a major input material for Basic Oxygen steelmaking hit record highs following fears over supply continuity as a result of the Australian flood disaster. Prices eased slightly towards the end of February but contract prices for Quarter 1 2011 are reported to be more than 25% higher than in Quarter 4 2010. The Economic Times reports that general steel prices in India have increased 30% in the last two months. India consumed around 60 million metric tonnes of steel in 2010 but infrastructure demand is expected to double that consumption by 2015. According to analysts state sponsored infrastructure products are primarily generating long product demand in India while private sector demand remains relatively subdued.

Stainless scrap exempted from Indian import duty

Sundram turns a profit in China

In its budget India announced that stainless steel scrap will be exempted from basic customs duty and that BCD on ferro-nickel would reduce from 5% to 2.5%.

Sundram Fasteners high tensile manufacturing plant in Zhejiang Province, which opened in 2006, recorded profits for the first time in 2010.

he lack of quality stainless scrap in India has been seen as an inhibitor to the growth of the stainless steel industry - more than half of the stainless mills in India reportedly use imported scrap. Nickel and chromium, both important and high cost inputs for stainless steel production, can also be recovered from stainless scrap. There are, as yet, unconfirmed reports that the European Commission is set to announce a new anti-dumping investigation on stainless steel fastener imports. There are strong indications that in addition to anti-dumping investigations against Malaysia and the Philippines the Commission will instigate both anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations on stainless steel fasteners from India.

ccording to The Hindu the plant’s performance improved through consolidating its position with multinational corporations operating in China, including Caterpillar, Volvo and John Deere. Sales were 35% up on two years earlier when the plant’s exports were hit by the anti-dumping measures applied to China. Bharat Forge, India’s biggest automotive forging company, is also reported to have recorded profits for the first time in four years from its joint venture with FAW Forging Company in Changchun, northern China. Sundram Fasteners reported that total sales for calendar Quarter 4 2010 rose nearly 30% compared to same period 2009. Net quarterly profit rose 30.5% year on year to 280 million rupees (4.5m euros).

LPS reports Q4 sales and profit gains Lakshmi Precision Screws Ltd announced sales for the quarter ended 31st December 2010 at 810 million rupees (approx 13 million euros) – a 45% increase on the same quarter 2009. Net profit for the quarter was 15.7 million rupees (251,000 euros) compared with 3.9 million rupees same quarter 2009.

PSA announces expansion plans for India PSA Peugeot Citroen has said it plans to expand in India as part of a strategy to achieve half of its sales outside Europe by 2015. PSA described the European market in 2011 as challenging. It expects China’s car market to grow by 10%, South America by 4% and Russia by 15%.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

russian + cis news Alexander Ostashov, Editor Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and… Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

FASTTEC will be staged by ITE Group ITE Group, the London headquartered organiser of international specialised exhibitions has acquired MVK Company, the Russian exhibition organiser responsible for the Moscow FASTTEC fastener exhibition.

lexander Shtalenkov, the general director of ITE in Moscow, commented: “Wonderful conditions for the further growth of ITE have been created… Firmness and continuity are important factors and I am glad that MVK team of employees and partners, who founded this business and possess the necessary experience and knowledge of organising events, will start working with us.” ITE purchased MVK, which owns twenty exhibitions with annual volume sales of more than 55,000 square metres, for

33 million euros in cash. ITE says the acquisition will strengthen the Group’s core activities in the growth markets of Russia and the CIS. In the last quarter of 2010 ITE staged one of its top ten most profitable shows, the Kazakhstan Oil and Gas Exhibition & Conference. ITE organises more than 180 trade events per year, fifty of which are staged in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Novosibirsk. More than seventy events are staged in central Asia and the Caucasus, and another twenty in the Ukraine and Turkey.

New HDG fastener production in Russia In January 2011 the Metalogika Company began volume production of fasteners with thermo diffused and hot-dip-galvanised at its facilities in Ekaterinburg.

etalogika Group of Companies is a distributor of hardware products and welding equipment and consumables. At the beginning of 2010 the company started to produce fasteners according to the customer drawings primarily precision metal machining on CNC equipment. www.metalogika.ru

Protective duties approved by prime minister

New car assembly rules require increased localisation

The investigation regarding fasteners imported to Russia, which was started by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the RF more than 20 months ago, has been completed. On 12th February the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin signed a resolution of the Government of the RF #68 implementing a special protective measure for the definite types of fasteners.

New rules for the industrial assembling of motor cars came into force on 1st February. According to the comments of Elvira Nabiulina, the head of the ministry for the economic development of the Russian federation, the new regime is applied to stimulate the production of car components within the territory of Russia.

he special protective duty equivalent to US$282.4 per tonne has been applied for a period of three years to the following types of imported fasteners:

• Threaded bolts from ferrous metals with hexagon or scup head and/or nib and/or square shoulder with diameter of exterior thread from 6mm through 30mm (except bolts with additional elements of construction, flange, clamp and/or pointed end). • Hexagon nuts from ferrous metals with inner diameter from 5mm through 30mm (except nuts with additional elements of construction, flange, clamp and domed nuts). • Single-turn spring washers from ferrous metals with diameter from 6mm through 42mm. The special duty does not apply to the imports of fasteners from the Belarus Republic, as well as from developing countries falling under the national preference system of the Russian Federation, excluding the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

“T

he current agreements are renewed for eight years more for those producers of motor cars, which achieve the following parameters: production volume greater than 300,000 cars; localisation level of 60% and up to 30% for engines, meaning parts installed on those cars must be produced in the territory of Russia,” the Government press centre quoted Nabiulina’s comments, “plus, R&D centres are to be created”. “Those producers, which do not move to the new regime will continue to be able to work within the framework of the previous regime for the meantime,” underlined the minister. In his turn, the prime minister of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, added that duty free import of components would be guaranteed only to those foreign producers and enterprises with foreign ownership, which bring localisation to the level of 60% by year 2020. The customs duty from which car components are currently exempt under the framework averages 12.5%.

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Authorities must maximise foreign investment The task of the Russian authorities today is to stimulate investment activity to the maximum and to make it an important agent of the renovation of the national economy, announced Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at the meeting of the government presidium.

he large role here is played by direct foreign investments, underlined the prime minister. “Russia must be really attractive for such long-term strategic inputs,” Putin was quoted by the government press centre, “and we are to create a necessary legal and organisational foundation for this, including on a state-by-state basis in the format of bilateral relations.” The prime minister asked the Federal Anti-Monopoly Office to accelerate the introduction of a second block of amendments designed to simplify procedures for the work of foreign investors at strategic industry sectors.

MTE Group restores production at Donpressmash The MTE Group of Companies has completed all the procedures involved in the acquisition of Donpressmash assets. It has begun restoring production and started to formulate an investment development programme for business. The total investment involved in consolidating the assets is reported to exceed 170 million rubles (4.3 million euros).

he production area of Donpressmash housed two enterprises: Azov Forge and Foundry Plant and ZAO Plant for the production of KPO. By the end of 2009 both plants went into bankruptcy and production was stopped. Denis Volkov, the general director of MTE Group of Companies told Prime-Tass: “MTE priorities are realisation of large investment projects in machine-building and energy industry. In 2009 the company started realisation of one of its strategic objectives – the foundation and development of its own production operations. We have designed a development plan and collected a team of specialists. In 2010 we started construction of a plant for the production of heavy-duty fasteners in Kolomna at the OOO MTE – Kolomenskiy Plant. Production will start in summer”.

Who leads the Russian Rolling mill hardware market? produces millionth tonne The millionth tonne of hot-rolled mill products was produced in a new rollingmill shop of OAO Nizhneserginskiy Hardware and Metallurgic Plant (NSMMZ) in Berezovskiy on 17th January.

etallosnabzheniye i Sbyt reports that the 6.5mm diameter rod produced was destined for the Russian domestic market. The key element of the new rolling-mill shop is a heavy-duty bifilar rolling mill, model 150, from Italian group Danieli, one of the world’s top three suppliers of plant and equipment to the world steel industry. The new mill is designed to produce wire coils with a diameter from 6mm to 16mm and rod with a diameter from 5.5mm to 22mm, which goes on for further processing elsewhere in NSMMZ’s hardware production facility. The rolling complex consists of finishing wire block with maximum speed up to 110 metres per second, an SMS Meer furnace and a Sund Birsta conveyor unit for transportation and packaging of coils according to European standards. The construction of the mill was completed in 2009. Following a commissioning regime the mill received permission to go into full production at the end of 2010.

According to the Metal Supply and Distribution Magazine (Metallosnabzheniye i Sbyt) the top five hardware producers in the Russian Federation are Mechel, Severstal-Metiz, MMK-Metiz, NLMK and Evrazholding.

f the top ten hardware traders eight were headquartered in Moscow and included MTK, Bis-Zitar, Metallservice, Mashkrepezh and Bolt,ru. Outside of Moscow the highest ranking were Metallopttorg in Nizhniy Novgorod and Metiznoye PTO in Chelyabinsk.

Orel plant upgrades auto fastener capability Severstal Orel fastener plant has begun production of flanged bolts, Rosmetiz Association reports.

he production has become possible following the installation of new cold heading machinery targeted at key product types. The first product from the equipment was an M16 x 70 flange bolt, according to EN DIN 1665. Users of fasteners from the Orel plant include Russian automotive producers, such as KamAZ (Kama Automobile Plant) and Sollers Automotive Group, which currently owns 67.77% of the OJSC Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant (UAZ). Severstal recently signed an agreement with Sollers for the supply of a range of hot and cold rolled steel and electric welded pipes. Severstal operates a consignment warehouse on Sollers behalf. The Orel plant is also producing test batches of automotive fasteners for other Russian producers including auto-PROmA.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

c ov e r s to r y

Beside you in the fastening world In May 1997 two managers, already with several years experience of fastener production and distribution, founded a company in Garlasco, 25 kilometres south-west of Milan. Today Ambrovit makes a powerful claim to provide a benchmark in fastener supply, to both the Italian and wider European markets.

he company grew up quickly. In 1997 it started with a 900 square metre warehouse; by 2001 that had grown to 3,200 square metres, enlarged again in 2006 by the rental of a further 2,000 square metres of external warehouse space. In mid-2009 Ambrovit relocated entirely to its new and current corporate headquarters. For Ambrovit high quality, customer care and advanced technologies are essential features in meeting the requirements of all its markets so this sustained progression in size combined with investments in advanced logistics, product packaging and a state-of-theart IT system have all aroused considerable interest from its customers. Today, Ambrovit’s facility in Garlasco extends over a total area of 12,000 square metres, of which 6,000 is buildings. The company recently installed a new automatic warehouse: 28 metres high with a storage capacity of 22,000 pallet places it currently handles some 1,400 order lines during each shift and despatches around 165 shipments everyday. An advanced automatic packing line, supplied by Bilwinco, has daily capacity of 22,000 boxes. Setting up a new quality laboratory, equipped with latest generation quality control instruments co-ordinated through sophisticated statistical software, has just been concluded.

Ambrovit’s quality management system has been designed and developed to ISO 9001:2008 standards, and the company expects to shortly receive certification issued by TÜV. Thanks to the previous experience in the production field of Ambrovit’s founders the company has established and strengthened, over the years, supplier relationships that ensure reliability of both product quality and availability. The management continue to periodically visit worldwide suppliers checking and verifying their capabilities and establishing both stronger existing and new business relationships. Ambrovit constantly updates its product range and is committed to offer products that are both technically advanced and commercially competitive. Today it boasts a very large number of items for different application sectors, which includes hex lag screws, chipboard screws, drywall

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

screws, dome and euro screws, machine screws, nuts, washers, bolts and threaded rods, tapping screws, drilling screws and A2 stainless steel screws. Sizes range from 2mm to 30mm in diameter with lengths from 4mm to 400mm. Key application sectors include: the furniture industry, door and window shutters, mechanical industries, carpentry and woodworking, civil and industrial construction, plasterboard, do-it-yourself and hardware shops, gazebos, and garden structures. In all, Ambrovit now holds stocks of about 9,000 items. The chipboard screw range, says Ambrovit, is the most important. The range of screws for carpentry, manufacturing of mountain furniture and gazebos, covers and large-size structures has been recently enlarged with the introduction of Chipboard screws TX wafer head with serration type 17 (Ambrovit code 67052), certified by the Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering of Trento University. In Italy Ambrovit currently delivers to more than 1,500 customers. The sales network in Italy, which is divided into different regions, covers the entire country. Relationships with area agents are managed by Ambrovit’s commercial department, which informs them of problems and opportunities so that they can solve them in real time. This wide sales network also provides the way for Ambrovit to constantly update its products range and ensure it meets its customers’ requirements. The new logistics facility, constructed in 2009, has allowed Ambrovit to extend its business to countries throughout Europe including: Germany, France, England, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Albania, Macedonia, Finland and Denmark. Total sales in 2010 increased strongly as a result of the new business structure, which enabled improved control of stocks, storage of high quantities of material and prompt delivery of customer orders. Participation in major fairs, including most recently Fastener Fair Stuttgart, has given Ambrovit the great satisfaction of becoming one of the trade leaders and enabling the company to substantially widen the countries to which it sells its products and promotes its ever developing product range. Central to the Ambrovit business philosophy is deep desire to serve customers and to provide them with the best fastener for their applications. All of the development and investments made by the company have always been clearly targeted to achieve these goals. At every internal stage the company carries out constant check controls on random samples, analysing the critical stages in order to solve immediately any issues that may arise, which could cause an interruption in the managerial

and logistical processes. Thanks to the new quality control laboratory (pictured above), Ambrovit now has precision tools for checking the quality of incoming products. In addition to stringent dimensional checks this now includes using a drilling machine test to simulate screw performance in application. The introduction of these technologies and advanced quality management structures have made the company’s confidence in its vision for the future even more concrete, linked as it is to the constant development pinpointed by the management. Ambrovit is also confident that, for global markets, it will continue to break down commercial barriers, implement specific skills and strengthen its trade position: a future Ambrovit believes will be marketed by constant seriousness and professionalism. Ambrovit tries always to improve its service level in order to reinforce its presence and respond to the new challenges in both national and international markets above all to live up to its motto “we are always beside you in the fastener world”.

“The chipboard screw range, says Ambrovit, is the most important.” www.fastenerandfixing.com

events calendar

Fastener Fair India Where: Mumbai, India When: 16 Apr - 17 Apr 2011 What: The fastener event for India.

Web: www.fastenerfair.com

BLECH India

European Automotive Components Expo 2011

National Industrial Fastener & Mill Suppply Expo/East

wire Russia

Where: Mumbai, India When: 14 Apr - 17 Apr 2011 Web: www.blechindia.com What: Sheet metal working.

Where: Ohio, USA When: 26 Apr - 27 Apr 2011 Web: www.fastenershows.com What: Fasteners, machinery formed parts, tooling and packaging.

National Hardware Show

Where: Las Vegas, USA When: 10 May - 12 May 2011 Web: www.nationalhardwareshow.com What: Connects retailers, dealers, wholesalers, distributors and manufacturing to the marketplace.

Hardware + Tools Middle East Where: Dubai, UAE When: 10 May - 12 May 2011 Web: www.hardwaretoolsme.com What: Tools, hardware, materials and machinery.

All American Fastener Show Where: Missouri, USA When: 12 May - 13 May 2011 Web: www.allamericanfastenershow.com What: Regional fastener event.

Construmat Barcelona Where: Barcelona, Spain When: 16 May - 21 May 2011 Web: www.construmat.com What: Building trade exhibition.

Where: Stuttgart, Germany When: 17 May - 19 May 2011 Web: www.eac-expo.com What: Automotive components exhibition.

Where: Moscow, Russia When: 23 May - 26 May 2011 Web: www.wire-russia.com What: International wire and cable trade fair.

Subcon

Where: Birmingham, UK When: 7 Jun - 9 Jun 2011 Web: www.subconshow.co.uk What: Subcontracting manufacturing show.

Intersolar Europe

Where: Munich, Germany When: 8 Jun - 10 Jun 2011 Web: www.intersolar.de What: International exhibition for solar technology.

Fastener Techâ„˘

Where: Illinois, USA When: 13 Jun - 15 Jun 2011 Web: www.fastenertech.com What: Fastener manufacturers, distributors & users.

2011 Fastener Expo Shanghai + 2nd Shanghai Auto Fastener Exhibition Where: Shanghai, China When: 16 Jun - 18 Jun 2011 Web: en.fastenerexpo.cn What: Specialist industrial fastener exhibition.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine â€˘ Issue 68 March 2011

e x hibitio n s

Fastener Fair India opens in April With Fastener Fair India, Mumbai, from 16th – 17th April 2011 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, exhibition organiser Inter Ads - Brooks Exhibitions (India) Pvt. Ltd offers fastener and fixing suppliers a dedicated trade exhibition to target this major growth market. Some 50 exhibitors from all over the world have already booked stand space at Fastener Fair India, Mumbai, 2011.

he event is organised by Inter Ads - Brooks Exhibitions (India) Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture between the organisers of Fastener Fair Stuttgart, Mack Brooks Exhibitions, United Kingdom and Inter Ads Brooks, India. Fastener Fair India will be co-located with BLECH India 2011, a dedicated trade exhibition for sheet metal working. With 100 exhibitors, BLECH India 2011 is more than three times bigger than last time, an event that attracted more than 3,500 visitors. Demand for stand space reflects the continuously booming industry on the Indian subcontinent, in particular in the automotive and construction sector. For the machine tool industry, as well as the fastener and fixing industry, India is a major growth market, which offers outstanding opportunities. India’s economy now demonstrates one of the strongest growth trends in the world driven by wide ranging investment in infrastructure and in meeting buoyant

consumer demand. In particular the automotive industry and its suppliers, the construction, telecoms, petro chemicals, energy supply, home electronics and white goods industries have benefited from this positive trend. For international suppliers of the fastener and fixing industry seeking to expand their businesses to new markets, Fastener Fair India 2011 is therefore an ideal platform to establish successful business relations, both with customers for fastener and fixing technologies, and with local agents or partners. Mumbai, India’s commercial centre and largest city, situated on the western coast, is the perfect place to enter this market of untapped potential. Many foreign companies have already settled here (the region attracts 25% of foreign investment into India) and the administration is familiar with the needs and wishes of new investors. International traffic links are first class and there are good connections to the other industrial centres throughout the country. The Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), where both BLECH India and Fastener Fair India 2011 will take place, is ideally situated along the Western Express Highway in Goregaon, a 10 minute drive from the national and the international airports and 20 minutes from the heart of the city. Information on Fastener Fair India, Mumbai 2011 is available at www.fastenerfair.com.

Fastener Fair expands to Brazil Mack Brooks Exhibitions, organisers of Fastener Fair Stuttgart, has announced that it will hold a satellite event of this highly successful trade exhibition in Brazil. Fastener Fair Brasil will take place from 8th – 9th November 2011 at the Expo Centre Norte in São Paulo.

razil is a well established market for fastener and construction fixing technologies, offering enormous growth potential in the near future. With sporting events including the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games confirmed, Brazil has embarked on a massive programme to rebuild its main infrastructure. GDP, private investment and government spending all have continuously increased in recent years, and the average household income has gone up substantially. Industry sectors, such as the construction, rail, automotive, telecoms, domestic appliances, energy, petrochemicals and airport industries, all play an important role in Brazil’s economy, providing excellent market opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers of the fastener and fixing industry. With Fastener Fair Brasil, exhibition organisers Mack Brooks Exhibitions now offer a dedicated business platform for the fastener and fixing industry in Brazil and its neighbouring countries. Alongside exhibiting companies from Brazil and other South American countries, the targeted trade show enables European, North American and Asian manufacturers

and suppliers of fastener and fixing technology to approach the Brazilian market and to establish business relations, both with customers, and with potential local agents or partners. A variety of stand packages that make exhibiting at Fastener Fair Brasil as convenient as possible are available from the organisers. Fastener Fair Stuttgart, the flagship event of a series of targeted trade exhibitions for the fastener and fixing industry, is Europe’s leading international trade fair for this industry sector. The recent edition in February 2011 is the biggest show ever, featuring 670 exhibitors from 40 countries in three spacious exhibition halls. The Fastener Fair exhibition profile covers a comprehensive range of products and services for the fastener and fixing industry, such as industrial fasteners and fixings; construction fixings; assembly and installation systems; fastener manufacturing technology; storage, distribution and factory equipment; and information, communication and services. Information on Fastener Fair Brasil can be found at www.fastenerfair.br.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Exhibition for Fastener and Fixing Technology 16 â€“ 17 A p r il 2 011 it io n B o m b a y E x h ib ) C e n t r e (B EC Mu m b a i, In d ia

Thereâ€™s no better way to approach this exciting emerging market! Fas t ener s

Fixings

Manuf ac tur ing Technology

For information on how to book your stand, please contact Inter Ads - Brooks Exhibitions International Office Tel: +44 (0)1727 814400 Email: india@fastenerfair.com India Office Tel: +91 124 475 1600 Email: fastenerfair.india@iabex.com

www.f as t ener f air.com

insight

Focusing on where the impact is greatest

The Bossard Group is 180 years old this year and might be forgiven for resting on its substantial laurels – 2010 sales were up 25% to more than 477 million Swiss Francs with consolidated profit confidently expected to be at an all time high. As Phil Matten discovered, though, in the small Swiss town of Zug the appetite for profitable growth is undiminished – in fact Bossard has been gearing up for more.

n 1831 the Bossard family, known previously as silk traders, established a small hardware shop in what is now the Aldstadt of Zug. In the 1930s it remained a local business serving the needs of the small community in which the family had long been well respected. In fact, it was not until the 1950s that Bossard began to internationalise – recognising the limited manufacturing carried out in Switzerland and taking on the very significant challenges of sourcing from Asia.

David Dean, CEO In 1992 current CEO, David Dean, joined Bossard. “80% of our business still came from within Switzerland,” he recalls, “and 40% of our sales were not in fasteners but in tools and other hardware.” The following year the Bossard family made the strategic decision to develop a global business and to

concentrate on fasteners. It sold off the tools and hardware elements of its business and started to acquire companies elsewhere in Europe. “Bossard recognised,” says David Dean, “that it had to follow its customers. Today 80% of our business is outside Switzerland.” Bossard now has 53 service locations across Europe, Asia and the Americas, including 25 warehouses and 13 technical laboratories. That includes three Chinese locations in Beijing, Shenzen and Shanghai, servicing customers as far West as Chongqing; as well as operations in Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. In India the Group has a joint venture company, LPS Bossard, based in Rohtak and a further 14 regional service operations across the country. In the USA Bossard is headquartered in Cedar Falls, Iowa with again six strategically located satellites, in California, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio and Wisconsin. Bossard also operates from Monterrey, Mexico and in both Brazil and Argentina. “The essence of our approach to servicing our customers, wherever they are,” says Tee Bin Ong, Bossard’s vice-president group sales & marketing, “is to be ‘Glocal’ – to be Global but to act Local.” At the core of that thinking Tee Bin Ong, vice president is what he describes as “One global team group sales & marketing that recognises and responds to local culture”. Four regional management teams, for Central Europe, Northern Europe, Asia and America, are supported from Zug in the five specialist functions of finance, IT, purchasing, sales and marketing, and engineering and quality assurance. In total the Bossard group now employs some 1,600 people worldwide.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Fasten.it Fasten.it is an is online an online resource resource for fasteners for fasteners and and fixing elements. fixing elements. It is anItinteractive is an interactive platform platform promoting promoting the contact the contact amongamong fastener fastener professionals professionals through through innovative innovative and helpful and helpful tools. tools. Publish Publish your your inquiries inquiries for free for through free through the the e-procurement e-procurement serviceservice and reach and reach directlydirectly the right the right suppliers suppliers all overallthe over world, the world, in a while. in a while. Visit www.fasten.it Visit www.fasten.it and discover and discover the other the other services: services: suppliers suppliers search,search, technical technical information information of the of the products, products, norms norms comparisons, comparisons, Surplus Surplus Stock,Stock, news, news, distributor distributor searchsearch and much and more! much more!

Largo Manzoni, Largo Manzoni, 4 4 Ponte Lambro Ponte Lambro (CO) - ITALY (CO) - ITALY P.IVA 02725810135 P.IVA 02725810135 Tel/Fax Tel/Fax +39 031620172 +39 031620172

insight The group supplies more than 200,000 distinct fastener articles, both standards and specials. No surprise then that the Bossard Catalogue has long been labelled, throughout the world’s fastener industry, as the “Big Blue Bible”. First issued in 1949 its successive issues, each larger and more comprehensive than its predecessor, represent a remarkable production feat – made somewhat easier these days by modern publication methods and its presence online. The majority of Bossard’s sales are to machine industries, accounting for around 48% of the total. Another 35% comes from electronics, and 16% from metal working sectors. The remainder is primarily supplied to the construction sector. All of which is to understand Bossard in an, unquestionably impressive, statistical and physical sense – but not to get to the heart of what makes this business an acknowledged benchmark throughout the global fastener industry and its customer base. For that one has to probe rather deeper into its vision and core values. The vision is simple, at least to espouse if not to deliver. “We want to be the trusted expert brand providing assembly technology solutions globally.” David Dean lays definite stress on “trusted expert brand”. “To be continuously successful in the global market, trust is fundamental – with both customers and suppliers.” Tee Bin Ong takes up the point and rehearses five core values that Bossard has identified as crucial in establishing, maintaining and growing that trust. ‘Customer Focus’ comes as no surprise although Bossard is emphatic that focus must be on “real needs” and requires a clear understanding of the customers’ problems and the active development of an effective solution to them. ‘Quality Focus’ is also a familiar mantra across today’s supply industry. Bossard, though, are specific: “We do what we agree to do to provide economy, comfort and security to our customer”. Bossard is intent on being ‘Value Driven’ but David Dean is quick again to translate the concept into practicality: “It is important we add value when the customer needs it” – left unsaid but clearly understood is to have a real impact on the customer’s business performance and also to ensure a realistic return for Bossard. “It’s all about execution at the end of the day,” says Tee Bin Ong, “and for us that means having a Winning Team and ensuring a genuine climate for action, the capabilities for success and a commitment to achieve real results.” Perhaps, though, the most insightful comment relates to Entrepreneurship; yes, Bossard means the encouragement of creativity and innovation throughout its operations but far more telling and distinctive is a commitment to “Do what we feel is right, even the unconventional”. Delving more deeply into the concept of adding value reveals a very precise formula underpinning the Bossard approach. “It is clear to us that the total cost of ownership,” says David Dean, “revolves around what we call the 15:85 rule.” The rule defines that 15% of the total cost of ownership for a customer rests

in the value of the fastening elements. 85% though, rests in additional values – procurement control, warehousing, logistics, pre-assembly and assembly itself. “We have to be comparative in the 15% area,” acknowledges David Dean, “but to provide best results for the customer we have to be effective in the 85% area.” The mathematics is really quite simple. Making a saving of 10% on the fastener costs delivers just a 1.5% improvement on the total cost of ownership. Make a 10% saving on all the other additional values - the 85% - and the reward is an 8.5% reduction in the total cost of ownership. “Bossard”, says David Dean emphatically, “focuses on where the impact will be greatest – to reduce logistic complexity, achieve process improvement and reduce total cost of ownership.” David Dean, Tee Bin Ong and vice president for purchasing and logistics, Andreas Bertaggia, all have a wealth of examples but one achievement goes a long way to epitomise Bossard’s Andreas Bertaggia, vice president translation of this thinking for purchasing and logistics into consistent practice. Bossard has installed 200,000 Smart Bins across its worldwide customer base since the inception in 1998 of what is described as “an innovative logistic solution with Automated Remote Inventory Management System technology”. Essentially that means that each fastener bin alongside the customer’s line or in its warehouse sits on a sophisticated but robust load cell, which monitors the weight of the remaining inventory in the bin. That data is automatically transmitted to Bossard every day, triggering replenishment orders at pre-determined levels. Anticipated rate of usage will trigger routine replenishment but accelerated usage will trigger an emergency response to ensure continuity of supply to the customer’s line. More recently Bossard has further developed the Smart Bin concept to provide mobile versions for larger assembly environments - for example for trains – powered by rechargeable batteries and also now including wireless transmission systems. “The critical technology,” says David Dean, “is really the software behind the system.” This means Bossard can reconcile customer forecasts against history and has early warning

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Bossard’s Smart Bin system

AUTOMOTIVE SPRING PIN® The logical solution.

100% control plus+. Optimal chamfer angle. Easily Installed. Greater Fastening Security. Reduces Fastener Costs.

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Autonic Engineering Co. Ltd

Salisbury Rd. Rye Park, Hoddesdon, EN11 0HU Tel: +44 (0)1992 471101 Fax: +44 (0)1992 471102 Email: enquires@autonic.co.uk www.autonic.co.uk

Industriegebiet Jägersgrund I D-57339 Erndtebrück - Schameder Tel.: +49 (0) 27 53 / 59 50-0 Fax: +49 (0) 27 53 / 59 50-44 www.baecker-kunststofftechnik.com e-mail: info@baecker-kunststofftechnik.com

We are seeking sales partners

insight of ramp ups or other significant deviation in usage. The key customer benefit is the elimination of human intervention and therefore risk of error. “The number of times we have been able to prevent shortages is remarkable,” says David Dean, “and thoroughly validates the system. The best salesman is now the customer down the road who is already operating Smart Bin.” “We are not just in technology for the technology,” Dean continues. “There has to be a value, one that we can sell and that delivers genuine benefits to the customer.” A reminder again, that while Bossard might occasionally lapse into some high sounding sales speak, the delivery is consistently and firmly rooted to the ground. Smart Bin has unquestionably demonstrated that practicality, operating now in some very remote locations simply through appropriate adjustment to the replenishment lead times. If Smart Bin has a downside it is in being completely automatic - a feature that has recently necessitated Bossard developing an ERP interface that allows it to ‘flash back’ data to the customers so that they can record it in their own financial and procurement systems. Bossard has a longstanding tradition of working with customers to solve problems – what it increasingly thinks of as “co-innovation” with its customers. Its sales people are

Smart Bin goes mobile technically oriented, looking to achieve early involvement in the design process to address aesthetic issues, safety, functionality and production cost, which all rolls into what Bossard thinks of as “lean design”. On occasions working with the designer alone may not be enough. “Often we also need to get the production people onside,” says David Dean, “because they are the ones that recognise the potential savings that can be achieved. Sometimes it is essential for senior managers from Bossard to engage at similar levels with the customer – it’s not always easy to do but it can be key in overcoming the change aversion that may be ingrained elsewhere in the customer’s business.” Sixty full qualified engineers do the “high end stuff”, says Dean, but fastening technology education is a long tradition for Bossard, providing technical seminars and, more recently, an eLearning service to both customers and its own personnel, whether they are front line sales people or those in accounting and other not directly customer related functions. Key to developing solutions is the Bossard Technical Centre in Taiwan. “It is not typical for a fastener distributor to have its own R&D,” explains Andi Bertaggia. “We have flexible, competent manufacturing partners – we don’t want to make the parts ourselves. We do want to combine application solution and supply.” Over the last two years Bossard has recognised the opportunity to leverage successful specific engineered solutions to a wider audience. This proprietary development is clearly now seen as an important strategic route for the Group. Examples already include Eco-syn® screws for thermoplastics, Eco-drill®

self-drilling screws and Eco-fix® vibration resistant screws. Bosgrip® evolved from a specific solution for a bicycle manufacturer unsuccessfully using a socket screw and spring washer combination as a stem bolt. Bos-grip has an anti-loosening design with a serrated washer face eliminating the need for a separate washer, which allows automatic assembly and, because a lower property class fastener can be used, reduces the risk of hydrogen induced embrittlement failure. Not surprisingly the Bicycle Manufacturing Association of Taiwan now approves Bos-grip. Eco-lubric® reflects a different but nevertheless crucial technology approach. It is a special coating technology designed to ensure consistent co-efficiency of friction, creating the potential in some applications for the use of smaller fasteners without compromising joint integrity. It also ensures effective corrosion protection and, as could be expected from a Bossard solution, eliminates the potential risks of human omission in application. Bossard is not looking to base future product development solely on its own proprietary products. The Group already has partnerships with an extensive list of globally recognised fastener brand manufacturers. “We recognise these brands have good solutions,” explains Andi Bertaggia. “Nord-Lock, for example, came to Bossard seeking a partner in the development of a global marketing strategy. Bossard offers a global infrastructure, a mix of customers and market segments and the technical capability to work with users at that critical design phase to introduce the benefits of advance fastening solutions.” The brand representation process was led by Bossard’s Asian operation initially. The Group recognised its value and took up what Asia started, making it part of Bossard’s global strategy. Once again, the pivotal concept is trust. “There was a period when producers of many performance products developed their own representation and routes to market,” Bertaggia reflects. “That often came from distrust of distribution’s ability to represent and sell their product and to be loyal in the longer term. Now there are pressures on the manufacturers, including the financial costs of representation and distribution, and they are recognising the end customer wants fewer not more suppliers. Over a fiveyear period we have demonstrated the importance of trust in relationships with our brand partners. In turn what we look for is not just a product but a unique, added value solution.” Bossard’s focus between 2010 and 2015 is on accelerated growth with continuous improvement in its market penetration. “We have something that stands out in the industry and we should capitalise on it,” says David Dean. “While I certainly did not like the experience, 2009 was a fantastic test to see if what we had built between 2004 - 2008 would hold – and it did. Bossard today is significantly different from how it was 6 - 7 years ago.” “We want to focus particularly on the niche markets where we know we can be most effective. We will continue to be focused on where we can deliver value to the customer and in doing so obtain value for ourselves.” The emphasis will be on organic growth: “acquisitions would only be highly targeted”, says Dean. “There is no point in acquiring just to get the customers, when we have to change the acquired business totally to fit Bossard. Better to go out and win the customers we want, based on the values in which we know we can be totally confident. There remains a huge upside in a lot of Bossard business units.” “To grow, we need capacity,” Dean adds, which explains well advanced plans to virtually double warehouse capacity at the Zug logistics centre. Bossard’s Beijing operation will also be relocated to a larger facility to respond to demand that has already outstripped existing capacity, and there are plans to build a new integrated facility in Malaysia. The bottom line objective? To double sales by 2015 – an achievement that will require an average 15% growth per year. “Profitable growth,” emphasises David Dean, “we are only interested in profitable growth.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

PROTECTION & FASTENERS Rapid product search

Catalogue free on request

www.bulte.com ®

BÜLTE GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse Carl-Sonnenschein Str.22, D- 59348 Lüdinghausen Tel : 02591 / 91 94-0 - Fax : 02591 / 59 77 bulte@bulte.com

insight

Owlett-Jaton trading portal proves a hit Customers of OJ Trade (www.ojtrade.co.uk), the online trading portal for UK fasteners and fixings experts Owlett-Jaton, have given a ringing endorsement to the site’s functionality and ease of use.

ince its launch in early 2008, the site has proved to be such a hit, that it received an extensive makeover last year to increase functionality and enhance customer experience. Over recent years the site has proved a major facility for merchants wanting to source products from Owlett-Jaton and sister companies Owlett-Architectural and JCP Fixings. OJ Trade is exclusively available to Owlett-Jaton account holders and allows users to access information on stock availability and price for more than 26,000 products. Orders can be placed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the ‘real time’ functionality of the site means product enquiries and selling prices can be calculated instantly. Other features include the ability to store and review enquiries for future reference, access to order, invoice, and credit details that can be viewed online or printed off, and a ‘purchase manager’ facility to store details of regularly purchased products. Customers appreciating the benefits of using OJ Trade include Robert Mahon at Nutters Fastenings Ltd. He says: “I love the

website because it is simple to use and gives me the flexibility of ordering I need, especially out of hours. It is also a good tool to have at hand for quoting as it is a quicker and more accurate way of getting an up to date price quickly.” Graham Smith from Belmey Industrial Supplies Ltd, adds: “We can check stock availability if we either have a customer on the telephone or at our trade counter enquiring about an item, saving time in having to call them back or contact a sales office to place an order”, while Hazel Flynn of Plant & Fixings Ltd says: “It was the best thing that any of our suppliers have ever done and it’s a pleasure to order goods hassle free!” Martin Rundle, online trading manager at Owlett-Jaton, explains: “OJ Trade has been designed with our customers in mind, so their online experience is the best it can be. Since the site was launched, it has proved to be extremely popular, and we invite customers to register and experience for themselves the features and benefits that OJ trade can offer.” To register on OJ Trade, visit www.ojtrade.co.uk

Introducing OJ Trade... OJ Trade... Exclusive to Owlett-Jaton customers. Thequick new,and quick andonline easy way to use The easy ordering an online ordering website from website from Owlett-Jaton. Owlett-Jaton. Getting started could not be easier; simply register at could www.ojtrade.co.uk Getting started not be easier; simply register at www.ojtrade.co.uk

One will do dothe thetrick! trick! Oneclick click will Head Office Head Office Opal Way, Stone Business Park, Opal Way, Stone Business Park, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0SW Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0SW Tel: 01785 811300 Fax: 01785 813331 Tel: 01785 811300 Fax: 01785 817199

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Sales offices at Dartford, Elland, Milton Keynes, Sales offices at Dartford, Elland, Stone, Stone and Swindon Swindon and Milton Keynes

Exhibition for fastEnEr and fixing tEchnology

there’s no better way to approach this big and booming market. 8 - 9 Nov 2011 • Expo CENtEr NortE • São paulo • Brazil

For further information: Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1727 814400 Email: brasil@fastenerfair.com

www.fastenerfair.com

insight

Always a safe choice From closed to eccentric toggles through to heavy-duty catches – Tacke + Lindemann’s product range offers 300 different fasteners and custom-made designs in all key materials, including high-alloyed premium steel V4A.

ince 1899, Tacke + Lindemann has offered a professional assortment for metalworking sectors, with a main focus on toggle and catch fastener technology. The core of this product range consists of closed and eccentric toggle catches, fasteners and custom-made fasteners. When flexible, safe, quick and tool-less connections of two work pieces are demanded these high quality catches are the experts’ choice. For any required application a range of fitting variations are available: Closed fasteners for insulation, packaging and fastening technologies; with and without spring locks, straight or curved baseplates and hook plates. For heavy-duty use, eccentric fasteners – also with hinges – are the optimal solution in noise insulation, machinery, plant and mechanical engineering and also for the maritime sector. For special requirements in car or mould construction, flexible fastening solutions such as strikers are applied. Fasteners for outdoor use demand high strength requirements: Highalloyed premium steel V4A protects the surface from exposure to aggressive influences like acid and weather. As well, their resilience against vibration and high pulling forces up to 1,600kp (kilogramforce) is guaranteed. As important is their protection against unintended opening – by spring lock fasteners, splint protection, padlocks or profile cylinder locks. Taking account of this broad range of requirements, the Tacke + Lindemann assortment offers up to 300 fasteners – from 52mm (2.05 inch) up to 315mm (12.40 inch) in the materials S235 JRC AR, S355 JR, 1.4301 and 1.4401. The choice is rounded off by the assurance of certified merchandise: For example, the T+L catalogue comes with extended documentation for every product, including detailed description, technical drawings and photos. In addition, all specifications are available in PDF and CAD formats, ready for processing and presentation in 3-D. The quality

management is implemented according to the standards of DIN ISO 9001: All products undergo a regular material test, consisting of spectrographic analysis and salt fog spray test. On top of that, the extensive T+L stock-keeping enables short delivery times and cooperation with global logistic partners always ensures onschedule worldwide delivery. Highest flexibility is guaranteed by the T+L specialisation in custom-made fasteners. Dedicated to the customer’s requirement at any stage, the entire development is carried out in-house: From models or drawings up to the manufacturing control, in a delivery time of only four months. A production in Europe and a European Certificate of Origin guarantee the outstanding quality of the products. The fastener product group is enhanced by additional offerings from the T+L assortment: In the product range of rivet and bolt technology, fastening solutions for baseplates with various hole

Stock-keeping enables short delivery times and co-operation with global logistic partners diameters are available. The additional product categories of Tacke + Lindemann provide a complete metal supply range: from construction hinges and components, insulation and industry products, metal trade, safety technology through to tools. “Our specific assortments complement each other, so that we are able to offer everything one-stop.” Owner Jürgen Tacke explains the philosophy of the long-established company with branches in Dortmund, Hamburg, Leipzig and Ludwigshafen. “As a matter of course, an extensive service, from planning up to assembly and maintenance, makes T+L supply a safe and long-lasting choice”.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

exhibitions

Bigger, longer, better

Fastener Fair 2011 set a new clutch of records – and created a remarkable environment for three days of sustained and, in upbeat market conditions, productive business making.

“ 667 exhibitors from 40 countries showcased a comprehensive range of products and services for the fastener and fixing industry.” “ With some 8,300 visitors, an increase of 38% compared with the previous exhibition, this year’s Fastener Fair Stuttgart was the biggest ever.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

REVOLUTIONARY REVOLUTIONARY. From the winner of 2nd place of “Route to Fastener Innovation“ at Fastener Fair, Stuttgart 2011.

general purpose screw

solar panel fastener

security fastener

undercut anchor

► Concrete

► Masonry

► Ultimate Security by Snapping Off

► Aerated Blocks

► Timber

► Quick and simple to assemble

► Chipboard ► Timber Fits for most substrates without pre-drilling in timber.

Fits for most substrates without using any plug.

► Torque Contolled Predetermined Breaking Point Available as nut or ucut® universal screw.

► Very short embedments ► No special installation tools ► Any hole size Ideal for high loads with short anchor depths. Especially suitably for exterior mounted installations such as building facia work or Air-Conditioning, Solar Panel and Satellite Dishs.

No matter how fast you can fix anything to concrete or masonry - there is a faster way! Please mail us and you will get free samples of the geniuos uip®-screws. For more information and applications please visit: www.uip-systems.com UIP Universal Innovative Products GmbH & Co KG • Natelsheideweg 26 • 30900 Wedemark, Deutschland • Phone: +49 5130 928 213 • E-Mail: info@uip-systems.com

Success for all involved Europe’s leading trade exhibition for the fastener and fixing industry, Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2011, ended with record results.

n an enlarged exhibition area, covering 12,500 square metres net in three halls at Stuttgart’s exhibition grounds, 667 exhibitors from 40 countries showcased a comprehensive range of products and services for the fastener and fixing industry. Visitors from all over the world made their way to Stuttgart to discover the latest industry trends and to source new products and systems. Statistics provided by Mack Brooks Exhibitions show that 87% of attendees (who specified their country) came from the European Union, with Germany accounting for nearly 40%. Visitors came from as far as Australia and New Zealand, Brazil and Canada. For the first time the National Fastener Distributors Association from the USA organised a special delegation to the Fastener Fair. The range of exhibits included industrial fasteners and fixings, construction fixings, assembly and installation systems, fastener manufacturing technology as well as storage and logistics services. Exhibiting companies and visitors alike praised the outstanding quality and international flavour of the exhibition. “We want to congratulate our exhibitors and visitors for this success”, says Susanne Rauberger, exhibition director Fastener Fair, on behalf of the show organisers Mack Brooks Exhibitions. “We are particularly delighted to be able to say that there was lively trading activity throughout the three show days and the mood was buoyant. A large number of exhibitors were able to report excellent sales figures,” explains Susanne Rauberger. A first analysis of the exhibitor survey, reported Mack Brooks, showed that “an absolute majority of exhibitors were highly satisfied with the results of the trade show and most of this year’s exhibitors are already planning their participation at the next Fastener Fair Stuttgart which is set to take place from 26th – 28th February 2013”.

RIVET TECHNOLOGY T h e N E W b l i n d r i v e t c a t a l o g u e i s n o w a v a i l a b l e . 9 0 p a g e s f u l l o f p o w e r. Yo u r re q u e s t f o r t h e N E W c a t a l o g u e i s h i g h l y a p p re c i a t e d .

STANDARD RAINBOW MULTI CUP RILLI STAR TRI-GO TRE-GO MASS HAMMER

N E W C ATA L O G U E Head office Goebel GmbH M端hlenstr. 2 - 4 40699 Erkrath Tel: +49-(0)211-24-5000 0 Fax: +49-(0)211-24-5000 250

w w w . b l i n d n i e t e . o r g

exhibitions

“ We had more than 400 visitors at our stand in Stuttgart. It was the right decision to extend our stand. This year we are again more than satisfied with the show.” “ We had lots and lots of visitors including potential and existing customers plus some “fastener ground hoppers” from Australia, US and Pakistan.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Small parts – big possibilities The right items for every project

Your partner for fasteners and fastening technology We’re looking forward to your call: +49 40 85363-0 Everything · Always · Reliable www.reyher.de

Please visit us: Hannover Fair Hannover, Germ any 4–8 April 2011 Hall 4, Stand A 39

metall München, 16th - 19th March 2011, Hall B1 / 105 Hannover Messe, 4th - 8th April 2011, Hall H5 / B26

Your Stud Welding Specialist

www.soyer.com

...................................................................... Heinz Soyer Bolzenschweißtechnik GmbH Fastener Fair Stuttgart, Germany Inninger Straße 14 | 82237 Wörthsee | E-mail: export@soyer.de 22th - 24th Feb. 2011, Hall 6, Booth P50

I Z E W I NN E

TITE-FIX DOES IT AGAIN E

Nowadays most cladding must be removeable, so fixing cladding with nails is really a non-starter... until now.

THE NAIL THAT THINKS IT’S A SCREW

01.02.2011 11:53:04

90x130_Fastener_02_2011.indd 1

SHOW

Clad-Tite® Auto is fast, efficient, powered method of fixing cladding that is removeable without damage to the timber, whether that’s a hidden or surface fix. Reduced D-Type head - minimal timber damage T10 recess - allows for extraction Cone-Lok™ - will not work loose, high pullout retention Stainless Steel - no staining, no corrosion, no comebacks Suitable for most cladding - treated or untreated FITS MOST GAS NAILERS CLAD-TITE® AUTO STAYS PUT WHILE STANDARD NAILS WORK LOOSE

PREVIOUS WINNERS AT STUTTGART:

ALL PRIZE WINNERS, ALL INNOVATIVE, ALL NOW BRAND LEADERS

t: 0870 043 4571 f: 0870 043 4572 e: sales@tite-fix.co.uk w: www.tite-fix.co.uk

exhibitions

Stuttgart visitors find route to fastener innovation Pictured left to right: Michael Wilkinson, Tite-Fix Ltd, Scott Corrunker, Mectron, Harald Göttlich, UIP Systems

Seventeen exhibitors at Fastener Fair Stuttgart, presenting extremely varied examples of innovative technologies for the fastener industry, vied for the accolade of ‘Route to Fastener Innovation’ Winner.

special “route planner” provided to the record number of visitors to Europe’s leading fastener industry event guided their interest to the stands of the entrants, offering newly introduced products ranging from advances in fastener manufacturing and inspection technology through to developments in sheet metal fasteners and structural timber connectors. “Our judges had a tough time of it because of the number, quality and variety of entries,” said Fastener + Fixing Magazine editor, Phil Matten, who had the unenviable task of collating the judges’ opinions to arrive at the final three winners. “In fact five entrants were shortlisted but, in the end, clear consensus was reached in selecting the three winners.” The First Place award was presented to Scott Corrunker, vice president of Mectron High Speed Inspection Systems for the Mectron First Scan 150R (pictured below). A first article inspection system, which eliminates manual gauging and recording, the First Scan 150R is a non-contact fully automatic precision measuring system designed for cylindrical components.

Awarding an Innovations prize to a manufacturing technology product for the first time in the eight year history of Innovation Awards at Fastener Fair Stuttgart, Phil Matten noted comments from the judges, which included: “The capability is impressive, especially the ability to work in two axes. The analysis and data capture also seem comprehensive and user friendly,” and “ISIR approval is sometimes a contentious issue so equipment that will ensure that the first production samples are as specified will help save time and the expense of further submission of parts.” Headquartered in Saline, Michigan, Mectron is the first American company to receive one of Fastener + Fixing’s long running Innovations Awards. Second prize was awarded to Harald Göttlich of UIP Systems, based in Wedemark, Germany for the U-bolt®, a self-cutting undercut anchor with a female internal thread support. The Ubolt® achieves a guaranteed undercut anchorage even in shallow embedment of 30mm. Judges’ comments included: “No one else has done anything quite like it and it provides an internally threaded socket ready for use. The Ubolt® deserves a rosette.” Third prize was awarded to Michael Wilkinson of UK-based Tite-Fix Limited for the company’s Clad-Tite® Auto described as a “fast, efficient, powered method of fixing cladding that is removable without damage to the timber”. Judges noted that, while similar products existed, the Clad-Tite’s greater pull-out retention compared with a standard powered nail allied to the ability to dismantle wood based applications without destroying them earned its place in the winners line up. “Fastener + Fixing’s Innovation award has become a coveted recognition of commitment to innovation,” said Phil Matten, “which is very pleasing because we firmly believe the development of new products, which deliver genuine benefits to fastener users, is the life blood of the industry and the route to competiveness and profitability. While I am sure there will be some disappointment for those who did not make it to the prizes this time I hope we will see those, and hopefully more, companies continuing to demonstrate the importance of innovation in future Fastener Fairs.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

DrylinePro shows its strength DrylinePro, manufactured by Holdfast Fixings Ltd and distributed by ForgeFix Ltd, is a heavy duty fixing which has been specifically developed for dry lined (dot and dab) walls.

he DrylinePro works by utilising the strengths of both the plasterboard and the underlying substrate. It will hold a load of around 100kg per fixing while also protecting the plasterboard from crushing. “The DrylinePro is perfect for fixing radiators, banister rails, shelves, kitchen units and even your new plasma telly to that wretched dot and dab wall.” The DrylinePro is available in three packs: an eight fixing kit for the DIY user, a 50 fixing kit for the smaller trade user and a bulk pack of 100 fixings which comes without the drills and screws which are in the kits.

Sika increases sales by more than 10 percent Sika achieved net sales of CHF 4.4 billion (3.4 billion euros) in business year 2010. Sales in local currencies thereby increased by more than 10%. Sika grew in all market regions. Emerging markets advanced strongly, particularly the regions Asia/Pacific, with 41.4% growth in local currencies, and Latin America, with 18% growth.

he company grew organically by 6.1%; acquisitions contributed another 4.1%. Currency translation effects amounted to -3.9%. Regions developed variously in 2010. In the more mature, higher turnover regions of Europe and North America, markets recovered slowly, while in emerging markets growth was strong during the whole year. Individual regions achieved the following growth figures in local currencies: Europe North 4.6%, Europe South 1.7%, North America 8.5%, Latin America 18%, IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa) 9.5%, Asia/Pacific 41.4%.

Developments in the regions North America and Asia/Pacific are additionally influenced by acquisitions. The growth increases that Sika achieved in emerging markets boosted the proportion of sales of these countries within the Group to 36%. Sales of products for the building and construction industry rose in business year 2010 by 8.7% in local currencies, acquisitions contributed 4.9%. Growth in sales of products for industrial manufacturing was 16.7% in local currencies, while acquisitions brought 0.6%.

The one piece Universal Decking Hanger The Universal Decking Hanger (UDH) from ERICO has been designed to help improve the process of suspending loads by threaded rod from composite floor decking with re-entrant channels.

he UDH installs and adjusts within all re-entrant channels ranging from 34mm - 60mm wide. It also compensates for minor post-install variances of and between re-entrant channels. ERICO underlines that installation is easy, even when wearing gloves. The user simply clicks the UDH into the channel by hand and tightens to secure the setscrew. It can then be quickly and easily adjusted for final positioning, making it ideal for hanging pipework, ventilation, cable tray, trunking, channel section and trapeze brackets. The hanger is manufactured from high-grade spring steel and is coated with CADDY® ARMOUR, a corrosion protection system. The robust design can carry working loads up to 1.5kN and offers a safety factor of 3:1. ERICO points out that the UDH fits a variety of decking sizes, meaning fewer decking fasteners are needed in inventory. A one-piece design allows simple snap-in installation and it can also be pre-mounted for added convenience. The UDH is pre-assembled and ready to install. It accommodates M6, M8 or M10 threaded rods, studs or screws.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Project10_ADV 28/02/2011 10:31 Page 1

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS

NOW IN STOCK – CE Approved Products: • Galvanised Through Bolts • A4 Stainless Steel Through Bolts • Vinylester Styrene Free Resin

Tel.: 01384 483657 Fax.: 01384 483663 Email: sales@adisupply.co.uk Web: adisupply.co.uk Unit 9 | Two Woods Trading Estate Talbots Lane | Brierley Hill | West Midlands | DY5 2YX

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

Rapierstar new facility nears completion Fastener and fixing supplier Rapierstar Ltd is well underway with the development of its new head office and distribution centre near Congleton, Cheshire, UK.

apierstar, established in 1992, has either moved or extended its warehouse premises every three years, culminating now with this new 8,000m2 purpose designed facility, which will help to increase the company’s efficiency and effectiveness even further. As well as enabling Rapierstar to provide a better service to clients, the extra capacity means a massive 100% increase in storage, enabling larger stock holding to better cushion customers from fluctuating source prices and lead times. Managing director, David Furness commented: “We sell experience and quality – our products are manufactured to our design and to our quality standards. The new facility

will benefit our customers in many ways as we will also be incorporating an extensive product test laboratory and customer information centre.” The company’s strength lies very much in the technical knowledge and expertise of the team they have assembled. With that knowledge Rapierstar has widened its branded product range over the years to include StarPVCU™, StarTurn™, StarFix™, StarPin™, high impact polymer headed pins and nails, and StarDeck™. “Our industry demands high standards and we set out to exceed these in terms of product quality and service offered,” explained David. If you have a problem finding specialist screws, if you can’t find them, if no one else can help, maybe you should hire . . .

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European Consortium of Anchors Producers

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The Specialist for Fastening Technology

TopDuo Wood Construction Screw • For all kind of joints in load bearing timber structures. • For ﬁxing of on-rafter insulation. (compression-proof and non-compression-proof) • New high-tech coating for much higher corrosion resistance than conventional zinc plating. Solar-hook fastening in case of on-rafter insulation

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E.u.r.o.Tec GmbH Unter dem Hofe 5 · D-58099 Hagen Tel. 0049 (0)2331 62 45-0 · Fax 0049 (0)2331 62 45-200 e-mail: info@e-u-r-o-tec.de · www.e-u-r-o-tec.de

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

Chemfix earns ISO 14001 accreditation Chemfix Ltd, in addition to its 9001:2008 quality accreditation, has achieved the ISO 14001 environmental management standard across its entire operation, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

SO 14001 is a recognised international standard for establishing an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). The standard is designed to address the delicate balance between maintaining Chemfix’s profitability and reducing environmental impact. To comply with this standard, Chemfix undertakes to minimise its environmental impact by demanding a range of continuous improvement programmes within the company. One recent success was to recycle 60% of its 85 tonnes of factory waste that previously went to landfill.

Newly awarded ETA approval for PESF resin Chemfix is one of the first construction chemical companies to be awarded an ETA approval for the use of chemical anchoring according to ETAG 029 Metal Injection Anchors for use in Masonry. The approval, awarded in February, covers Chemfix Polyester Styrene Free formula (ETA – 11/0032) for use with a nylon sleeve and stud.

New auto line delivered at Chemfix To satisfy the increasing orders of the new ChubSeal system, a fully automated ChubSeal production line is about to turn from plan to reality at the Chemfix manufacturing facility in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The new production line was designed and built within six months by the Chemfix engineering team and Pneumatechnique Ltd, based in Peterborough, and will speed the workflow between chub filling and the labelling and packing operation.

Wolf Group transfers production to Estonia Wolf Group has transferred the production of expanding sealing tapes Exadan AS, acquired in 2008, from Denmark to Estonia.

ccording to Wolf Group CEO, Jaan Puusaag, the company still strives for more efficient manufacturing processes and synergy. At the same time, the factors favouring the movement of the factory to Estonia are the local favourable tax system and lower fixed costs when compared to Denmark. ”We had the plan of moving the production of self-expanding sealing tapes to Estonia right from the start, as it is much more easier to administer our work closer,” explained Puusaag. According to Puusaag, the addition of new lines gives an opportunity to diversify risks and make a wider use of the employees. “For example in Denmark, the factory worked in one or two shifts, but here we could make it work in three shifts, if necessary. Such an integration of production provides the company with flexibility and stability.” Wolf Group factories are located in Estonia and Russia, with sales units located in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Denmark and Kazakhstan.

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

t is important to note that existing ETAs may be amended or withdrawn so this list should not be considered definitive. For further information and a full list of valid ETAs you should visit EOTA’s website, www.eota.be.

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

HOLDER

ETAG 001 Metal Anchors for use in Concrete (all parts) ETA - 10/0401

MASSFIX and MASSFIX W

KOELNER S.A.

ETA - 10/0417

TOX Wedge anchor B A4

TOX-Dübel-Technik GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 10/0430

Resina Vinilester sin estireno anclaja quimico para varillas de acero galvanizado o inoxidable

Lusan Fijaciones y Anclajes S.L.

ETA - 10/0458

INDEX Epoxy Acrylate Styrene Free Mortar MMOEPSE, MOEPSE-W, galvanized or stainless steel bonded anchor

Index Técnicas Expansivas SL

ETA - 10/0464

OUTIFIX TXRB

Société OUTIFIX

ETA - 10/0471

TOP -HD

Desarrollos Espciales se Sistemas de Anclaje S.A.

ETA - 10/0472

Smart through bolt anchors Smart S-KA, Smart-KAK, Smart-KAH and Smart KAH HCR

pgb - Polska Sp z o o

ETA - 10/0476

ANCLAPAK M-30 Stainless steel

KRAFFT SL (Unipersonal)

ETA - 10/0477

ANCLAPAK M-3 galvanised steel

KRAFFT SL (Unipersonal)

ETA - 11/0063

Structaset 401 galvanised or stainless steel bonded anchor

ITW Construction Systems trading as ramset

ETA - 11/0064

Vinilester 2000EP400S galvanized or stainless steel bonded anchor

Universal de Suministro S.L. Poligono Industrial El Oliveral

ETA - 11/0103

CLOVERFIX MTH, MTH-A4

INDEX - Técnicas Expansivas S.L.

ETAG 014 Plastic Anchors for ETICS ETA - 10/0367

UDV

Kovinoplastika kosmatin s.p.

ETA - 10/0368

UD-PK

Kovinoplastika kosmatin s.p.

ETA - 10/0460

fischer termoz LO8

fischerwerke GmbH & Co. KG

ETAG 020 plastic Anchors (all parts) ETA - 09/0352

fischer frame fixing SXS

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

For complete and up to date information visit www.eota.be at which a list of all valid ETAs is maintained.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

New masonry hanger helps meet UK Code Simpson Strong-Tie has designed an innovative new masonry hanger to assist in meeting air leakage requirements, which are part of the UK Code for Sustainable Homes.

he SFLHI (Safety Fast Lite Hanger for I-Joists) is a unique single piece hanger designed to support timber joists from masonry walls without the need for masonry above the course of blockwork supporting the hanger. This means that the potential for air leakage is reduced and avoids the time consuming and costly mortaring and sealing with mastic around built-in joist ends. As well as being CE approved and meeting the requirements EN 845-1, an added benefit that Simpson Strong-Tie points out is that the system also safely allows construction work to continue just three days after the supporting blockwork has been laid – as opposed to 28 days in the case of traditional masonry hangers. Simpson Strong-Tie’s head of engineered timber division, Jon Head, said: “With a close eye on the UK Code for Sustainable Homes, house builders want a masonry wallto-joist connection that will compliment the need to reduce air leakage. With the SFLHI we have one, which not only compliments those requirements, but allows for a significant reduction in building time.”

JOINED TO LAST.

DETAILS DELIVER PERFORMANCE Future-oriented applications demand reliable details. High-performance solutions from KVT are found wherever absolutely safe and secure connections are essential. www.kvt -koenig.com Hannover trade show, Motion, Drive & Automation (MDA) 04. – 08.04.2011, hall 5, booth B 39

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

New generation of screw The HECO-UNIX full-threaded screw with contraction effect was successfully launched at the beginning of 2010. Now the benefits of this innovative thread form have been extended to a complete product range opening up new application possibilities for HECO-UNIX.

hat’s not all: the results of approval tests for HECO-UNIX show that considerable load advantages can be achieved in comparison with part-threaded screws, even at small fixture thicknesses.

Full product range – more design flexibility Whereas interior outfitters and cabinet makers have benefited the most from the special features of the HECO-UNIX to date, this range expansion will also allow roofers, carpenters and joiners to utilise the full threaded screw. This expansion includes extra lengths and diameters as well as considerably more versions with T-drive. The range of A2 stainless steel façade screws has been complemented with a 4.5mm diameter version.

fixture thicknesses > 4xd1. This reduces the number of required mounting points and increases security.

Advantages at a glance • The HECO-UNIX thread allows full and part-thread applications. • Driving without gap, even in tough cases. • Fixing of timber components via the thread. • Based on the expert report for the ETA certification, considerably higher load level in terms of head pull-through resistance than assumed to date. • Combi screw head: no damage to the fitting surface; improved milling features in wood thanks to milling grooves.

A new dimension in load-carrying capacity As the ratings based on existing approval designs show, the tensile force capacity of the HECO-UNIX in timber-timber connections is considerably higher than the performance of conventional part-threaded screws. For example, the typical tensile load of a 5mm HECO-UNIX at a fixture thickness of 45mm is 2,655N. In comparison, the level of a comparable partthreaded screw is only 1,223N. The test results now available for the load-carrying capacity of the HECO-UNIX not only provide more security, but also facilitate the use of the screws many times over. This means that fewer mounting points will be necessary in the future, which in turn translates to labour and material savings.

About the HECO-UNIX The HECO-UNIX is a patented full-threaded screw with contraction effect. It features a variable thread pitch, which decreases from the tip of the screw to the head and pulls the timber components together without the need for extra measures. In addition, the components are axially fixed. In this aspect, the HECO-UNIX unites the features of a part-threaded screw with the advantages of a full-threaded screw. A further advantage of the HECO-UNIX is that the timber elements are not fixed by the head of the screw, but rather the thread. This allows a higher tensile load in terms of head pull-through resistance in

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

ALLBOLTS LTD

Unit 18 Fortress Close, Brome Industrial Estate, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7HN

Tel: 01379 872910 Fax: 01379 872915

allbolts@btconnect.com

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

A solution to a very galling problem Rawlplug has recently developed the R-HPTII-A4 throughbolt which is specially coated to avoid galling. Below Rawlplug explains how it developed the coating and how it overcame the galling issues.

alling, a phenomenon where mating surfaces seize together is a common problem with stainless steel heavy duty anchors. The issue, although not always apparent, is inherent in stainless steel and other corrosion resistant alloys which produce a self-healing oxide layer. The mechanism of galling is adhesion between the contact surfaces on the atomic scale (when under high pressure) – a process occasionally referred to as cold pressure welding. A potential result of galling is seizure of the nut on the bolt when applying the installation torque, which can lead to the fixture not being fully clamped to the base material. At this point installers generally over-tighten the nut in a futile attempt to clamp the fixture, as the outcome is usually a sheared bolt. Even if an attempt is made to unscrew the nut, it is usually not possible, resulting in an ineffective anchorage. The problem is not isolated to the bolt/nut thread interface where it is easy to identify. It can also occur between the expanding collar of a torque controlled anchor and the bolt taper. This situation is potentially more serious as the expander then seizes on the bolt taper, resulting in limited expansion and therefore reduced tensile performance. Engineers at Rawlplug say that they have overcome the first galling issue on the thread interface by utilising a molybdenum disulphide coating on the hex nut. This is highly effective because the molecules are arranged in layers, with the sulphur bonding very strongly to the base metal and weakly to other sulphur atoms. The combination of the laminar structure and the weak bond, effectively acts as a lubricant, whilst maintaining a crucial separating layer between the stainless steel nut and bolt. In partnership with a coating specialist Rawlplug’s research and development team in Scotland tackled the second issue by developing a coating for the bolt taper. “We sought a solution which was fast-drying to reduce production costs and opted for a UV curable acrylic-based coating. The coating has three functions: prevention of galling by creating a separating layer between the expander and bolt taper, control of the coefficient of friction to achieve the optimum expansion and finally, durability. It must withstand the same challenging environmental conditions experienced by the stainless steel during the lifetime of the anchor.”

Introducing the ATS EVO Friulsider has recently introduced the new ATS EVO, a CE certified Option 1 (ETA 10/0423) anchor for cracked concrete.

he ATS EVO is a through anchor with high mechanical characteristics that can be used on cracked and non–cracked concrete and solid stone. It comes in three different versions (hex head, threaded bar with nut and countersunk head screw with embedded hexagon) depending on the installation needs, and can be used to install metal or steel structures, industrial signals, noise barriers, ventilation plants and ceiling heating, suspended walkways, as well as various other applications. Friulsider underlines that the ATS EVO is the result of years of research and tests on various base materials, coatings and geometric synergies between its components. The coupling between the cone and the anchor body of the ATS EVO ensures an optimal expansion in every application. Also, compared to the previous version, the coating of the cone is white and it has a special formulation that guarantees higher hardness, higher strength and higher sliding. The clip of the ATS EVO is a single piece with three expanding segments; it has been improved compared to the previous version and the dent has been increased for higher performance. The special nylon bush shape prevents rotation and guarantees a better adhesion. The anchor is made with high tensile steel grade 8.8 to provide greater shear strength. The ATS EVO pull out strength on cracked concrete is higher than the previous version on non-cracked concrete, reckons Fruilsider, and it goes head-to-head with the main competitors on the market. Friulsider highlights that the ATS EVO’s points of excellence is installation flexibility, as compared to any other competitor it has minor edge distances (Cmin), minimum spacing distances (Smin) and splitting failure minimum distances (Ccr,sp and Scr,sp). ATS EVO is high performing even on fire exposure and it has obtained the fire certification F120.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

Guaranteeing simple installation Dr. Harald Göttlich, CEO, Universal Innovative Products GmbH & Co KG The ‘undercut anchor’ has been on the market for a long time. But all previous anchors have had a number of weaknesses such as being too complex to assemble; need expensive assembly equipment or cannot be used within certain materials.

he ubolt®-FUA undercut anchor however is uniquely simple to install; it does not need a torque wrench or any fancy installation tool. In fact the simple setting method itself guarantees the proper setting. Even in the shortest embedments the ubolt®-FUA undercut anchor achieves the highest guaranteed load performance, meaning that for most applications the ubolt®-FUA undercut anchor will fulfil all regulatory functional demands. If the structural substrate is covered by either a soft decorative material (like stucco used around a window sill) or a wall insulation material, then standard anchor installation methods will fail. For these types of critical installation a second setting method may be used with ubolt®-FUAs. The basic objective of this type of installation is to set the ubolt® into the solid substrate behind the soft material, without increasing the drill diameter and without using any complicated tools. The main difference between the ubolt®-FUA standard

installation method and the method used for these deeper installations is that before installation the specific drilling depth for the ubolt®-FUA anchor has to be calculated. The drilling depth calculation is simply the sum of the anchor body length (sleeve) plus the thickness of the soft surface material. After drilling to the calculated depth, the anchor and wedge are pushed to the bottom of the hole and the anchor installation is completed by hammering the wedge into place. Hammering the wedge forces the undercut to be generated in a very reliable way and at exactly the correct point of installation, even behind nonstructurally strong layers. “The two very easy to use installation methods for installing the ubolt®-FUA undercut anchor at different hole depths means that the ubolt®-FUA undercut anchor can fulfil virtually all application demands. ubolt®-FUA is perfect for cladding applications, curtain-wall and facade installation or renovation work and for many other fixing problems.”

Tecfi achieves ETA accreditation DXE steel expansion anchors with conical nut, from Tecfi S.p.A, recently achieved the ETA-CE Approval according to Guideline ETAG001 - Part1, with option 7 to be used in non-cracked concrete. The ETA 10/0453 certification covers the whole pre-positioned anchorage DXE range: • DXE00 with conical nut and sleeve. • DXE01 with hex head 8.8 grade. • DXE03 with stud 8.8 grade. • DXE04 with mushroom head 8.8 grade, 6-lobe recess. The guideline ETAG001-Part1, Guideline for European Technical Approval Metal Anchors to structural applications, requires a number of tests carried out by certified laboratories and the fulfilment of minimum requirements for the anchors even in extreme conditions. Tecfi explains that thanks to a careful selection of materials and to the geometry of each component, its steel anchor DXE has not only exceeded the minimum requirements of the guideline, but it has also achieved excellent performance under tension and shear loads. Tecfi S.p.A highlights that it has continuously invested in the quality and certifications that are mandatory for construction products, and has achieved several certifications in the last few years including: • ETA 10/0060 for Tecfi High performance HVE Rock, option 1 to be used in cracked and non-cracked concrete. • ETA 08/0058 for the whole range of DSE steel anchors, option 7 to be used in non-cracked concrete. • ETA 10/0102 and ETA 10/0103 for bonded anchor with anchor stud and rebar connection, option 7 to be used in non-cracked concrete. • SOCOTEC Approval for polyester resin ME01. • UL Approval for nylon cable ties JK and JR.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

Index ready whatever the weather Index, a reference company for the manufacture of anchors, fixings and screws in the Spanish market, has launched its new MOEPSE and ICE XTREME MOEPSE chemical mortar, a styrene-free epoxy acrylate for summer/winter weather conditions, approved with the ETA seal.

he Index research and development team, due to the ongoing demand for chemical products capable of satisfying the most demanding needs of the market, has developed a formula suitable for all types of weather conditions: the standard MOEPSE version for a temperature range of between 5ºC and 30ºC, and the MOEPSE ICE XTREME, for adverse weather conditions in the coldest of places, with fixing ranges between -10ºC and 20 ºC. Index underlines that the technological developments in its chemical composition and its complex productive process have made MOEPSE the reference product in this market sector. According to Santiago Reig, technical manager at Index, the main product improvements are its “ETA 10/459 approval in option 7 galvanised steel materials and coverings, A4 stainless steel (AISI 316) and high corrosion resistant steel, its wide range of measurements (approved) of up to M24; an improvement in its mechanical resistance, its compatibility with wet and even flooded drill holes and its installation depth with threaded stud bolt, from 8mm to 20mm diameters.”

Nelson is pioneer for heavy duty anchors Nelson® Stud Welding, part of the Doncasters Group of companies, pioneered the use of headed concrete and deformed bar anchors, making it an expert in the field of high-stress concrete fastening applications.

elson points out that its headed anchors are widely used in precast, cast-in-place applications for embedded plates, frames, curbing, attachments and connections; while its deformed bar anchors are ideal for deep embedment anchors in applications including pre-cast columns, tee and beam connections, seismic sheer walls and shoring, and securing steel plates to concrete structures. The company’s newest critically engineered fastener is the Punching Shear Resistor Stud. This is used to fabricate reinforcing rails for reinforced concrete floor slabs and foundations at the point where columns penetrate through the floor slab, to prevent ‘punching shear’.

Shear connectors are typically used in composite steel construction design for holding concrete slabs to steel members to resist shear forces and increase shear loading capacity in steel buildings, bridges, columns, caissons and containment liners. Ken Caratelli, divisional managing director of Doncasters Fastener Systems division, said: “With sites around the globe, Nelson Stud Welding has a strong track record of developing effective fastening solutions for a range of heavy duty applications. As well as standard studs and fasteners available for quick shipment, our custom design and engineering services allow us to develop new and innovative solutions and systems to meet evolving customer needs.”

G&B Fissaggi stands strong G&B Fissaggi, based in Turin, Italy, highlights that its SITA ACCIAIO CE 7 (ETA-10/449) is a new steel anchor for heavy duty fixing designed for structural fixing, of static type, on solid supports.

he SITA ACCIAIO CE 7 is suitable for applications on solid supports such as stone and concrete, and is designed for through fastening. G&B Fissaggi explains that the steel anchor offers higher ductility due to it being cold forged, which allows adjustment without the anchor breaking during installation. The anchor features a stainless steel (A2) expansion clip, made up of three sectors, which G&B Fissaggi says grants high pull-out values. The SITA ACCIAIO CE 7 is available in several lengths and diameters from M12 to M16. It is also CE, option 7, certified for use in non-cracked concrete supports.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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Strong like Hercules Two new steel bolt anchors from TOX: Whatever the application the new S-FIX 1 and S-FIX 7 from TOX hold on to their promises.

he biggest S-FIX 1 has a diameter of 16 millimetres – and it holds over two tonnes. With a maximum admissible load of 2,010 kilograms in cracked and non-cracked concrete, it fulfils the requirements of ETAG Option 1 (holding ETA 07/0216 for steel and ETA - 07/0218 for A4 stainless steel). The S-FIX 7, which has ETA Option 7 approval (ETA - 07/0217), specialising in non-cracked concrete applications, is just good value for money. S-FIX 7 is made from galvanised zinc-coated steel and has a long continuous thread, washer and hex-nut making it suitable for fixing steel constructions, brackets, ladders, cablings, railings, shelves and supports. A cold-formed anchor with an expansion clip (3 tongues and 6 lugs) to ensure identical, safe, and even fastening in the drill hole. All bolt anchors are ready-to-use made and of rational fastening system for heavy duties. TOX S-FIX is available in all diameters from 6mm to 16mm, and the S-FIX 7 is also available in 20mm diameter. All bolt anchors are offered for sale to the professional or retail market in a cardboard box. The S-FIX 1 is now available in high-grade stainless steel A4 for external applications in the open. A smaller blister version was launched for the DIY market at the end of 2008.

The smart Scell-it planning throughbolt BZ launch

Scell-it is planning to launch the ‘BZ’, a new throughbolt which has been priced to allow Scell-it’s distributors to be even more competitive in the European market.

At the beginning of 2011, pgb-Polska obtained ETA option 1 approval for cracked concrete with its throughbolt, the SMART KA, KAH, KAK and KAK HCR (ETA-10/0472).

gb-Polska is the Polish production plant of pgb-Europe (headquartered in Belgium) and is specialised in the production of high quality anchors. “Receiving the ETA approval emphasises the high quality product standards set by pgb-Polska and guarantees maximum safety and performance for our users.” The throughbolt is available in different materials: SMART KA zinc plated, SMART KAH hot dip galvanised, SMART KAK stainless steel A4, and SMART KAK HCR high corrosion resistant stainless steel (EN.14529).

anufactured from high resistance steel for use in concrete and stone, the BZ has a long thread and a three pronged clip to guarantee a balanced and well distributed expansion. It will be available from M8 X 50 to M16 x 180. The product will be launched in Scell-it headquarters in Lille, France, and in subsidiaries Scell-it UK and Scell-it Polska in April 2011. The throughbolt BZ already has a Polish technical agreement. The technical data for the BZ, as well as for the whole product range, is available from Scell-it’s new website.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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Anchoring in cellular concrete blocks Doctors A.V. Granovsky PhD and D. A. Kiselev, from the TSNIISK Central Research Institute for Building Structures submitted this report on “Experimental investigation on bearing capacity of anchor fasteners installed into walls made from cellular concrete blocks”. It presents an interesting insight to some of the issues in the Russian Federation construction fixings market.

s of today, there is a heavy deficit of cellular concrete of good quality in the Russian Federation. Because of a shortage of quality products, consumers have to purchase concrete manufactured by makeshift working methods, namely non-autoclave cellular concrete and aerated concrete. Considering the application of cellular concrete variants in the form of small-sized blocks in self-supporting walls, with separations by floors, for residential and public building, the absence of proper control of their strength and density leads to wide-scale usage of aerated concrete block for example: with strength between 0.8MPa and 2.5MPa and density below 500kg/m3. The aforementioned problem has become the most challenging one in relation to the attachment of bearing substructures of façade systems to walls made of such materials, and with installation of metal reinforcing bonds in two- or three-layer walls. We would like to note that in 1982 experts from several research institutes issued the State Standard GOST 25485-82 that clearly divides cellular concretes, depending on class of concrete and its density, into the following types: structural, structural and heat-insulating, and heat-insulating concrete. “Recommendations for application of small-sized wall blocks from cellular concretes”, issued in 1992 by experts from TSNIISK, NIIZhB (Research Institute of Reinforced Concrete) and LenZXIIEP (Leningrad Zonal Research Institute c Experimental Design), prohibited the use of cellular concrete blocks of the grade below 2.5MPa and with density lower than 500kg/m3 for self-supporting walls. Unfortunately, these requirements are nearly forgotten today. At the same time, wide-scale usage of cellular concrete blocks, classified as belonging to structural and heat-insulating types, leads to a sharp reduction of service reliability of both walls and façade structures (including hinged ventilated façades) that are attached to the walls. Because of immensely increased volume of works for building hinged ventilated façades, the question of the reliability of fastening façade structures to the walls made of cellular concrete blocks becomes especially vital.

were chosen for testing. Tests of anchors with the objective of determining their pull-out strength were carried out in accordance with a technique developed by the TSNIISK. The compression strength class of concrete was B 1.2. Depending on their design the anchors were divided into 3 sub-groups. 1) Anchors consisting of a working body in the form of screw (7mm diameter, length 105mm) and an insert – a polyamide plug (10mm diameter, length 100mm). Examples of this group of anchors include fischer SXR, Mungo MB-S, Sormat KAT N, Hilti HRD-UGS. Generally speaking these anchors differ one from another only by the profile of the polyamide plug and are recommended by their producers for installation into cellular concrete blocks. An example is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 2) Thread design anchors. These anchors have a polyamide spiral external thread that, using a setting tool, is designed to cut another thread into the base material. Examples of these anchors were only found from the companies fischer (FTP K10) and Sormat (KBT 10). An example is shown in Figure 2.

Selection of the most efficient types of anchorage used for fastening facade structures to walls made of cellular concrete blocks. Experimental investigations for determining pull-out strength of various types of anchors installed into walls made of cellular concrete blocks have been carried out at the TSNIISK. The objective of these investigations was to select the most effective types of anchors used for fastening façade structures to the walls made from cellular concrete blocks. Anchors from the companies fischer, Sormat, Mungo and Hilti, which are available in the Russian Federation market,

Figure 2 3) Chemical anchors consisting of the following elements: • Working body - thread stud 10mm diameter. • Injection resin. • Polyamide or metallic net-shaped sleeve. This group includes anchors from fischer, (FIS V360 S), Sormat (ITH 380) and Mungo (MIT-P). Example of a typical system shown in Figure 3.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s the seating depth of chemical anchors is the same as that of anchors belonging to the first group, bearing capacity of chemical anchors appear to be higher by 30% - 40%. However, it is hardly possible to forecast increase of the anchor bearing capacity, because of the difficulty to control the quality of filling a drilled hole in cellular concrete with injection resin.

The results of testing for pull-out from cellular concrete blocks of the aforementioned three groups of anchors, when analysed enable us to note the following.

Figure 5 Figure 3

With the objective of increasing the bearing capacity of anchor installed in a cellular concrete block, experts from the company fischer proposed a new design of chemical anchor. The new design envisages a change of the drilled hole shape, thanks to the use of a new drill (Fig. 6).

Results of testing of anchors from 3 groups Results of testing*, kN Group

Trademark

Manufacturer

NRu,m

SXS 10X100 SXR 10X100 KAT N HRD-UGS MB-S FTP K10 KBT 10 FIS V 360 S ITH 380 MIT-P

fisher fisher SORMAT HILTI MUNGO fisher SORMAT fisher SORMAT MUNGO

1.5 1.75 2 1.75 1.5 3.8 4.2 7 1.8 2

0.35 0.35 0.4 0.35 0.35 1.5 1.9 3.1 0.5 0.5

2 3

* Load values are taken as an average value for testing 5 samples

1. Pull-out resistance (bearing capacity) of anchors belonging to the first group, using a polyamide plug, depends (for majority of them) mainly on the contact area between the cylindrical plug surface and an anchor bore in a block, and also on the strength and density of the cellular concrete block. The bearing capacity of anchors with polyamide sleeve differs slightly according to different manufacturers. It should be noted that the pull-out behavior of all anchors is related to a sliding of the polyamide plug along a zone of contact with the base material. 2. Pull-out resistance (bearing capacity) of polyamide anchors with threaded design of polyamide sleeve were 4 - 5 times higher than the bearing capacity of the first group’s samples. This was due to the increased contact area with cellular concrete and formation of a pull-out cone in case of fracture (Fig. 4). One should note that, as the tests demonstrated, anchors of this type require that the installation technique should be properly followed in accordance with producers’ recommendations. Even slight additional screwing in of the anchor during installation can cause a fracture of the cellular concrete structure in the threaded zone of the anchor, which results in a sharp decrease of the anchor bearing capacity.

Figure 4

3. Bearing capacity of chemical anchors being installed into a drilled hole in a cellular concrete block depends mainly on the quality of adhesion between injection resin and cellular concrete. As the density and strength of cellular concrete is low, breakout of the anchor when it is pulled out takes place along the resin – concrete contact zone (Fig. 5). Provided that

Figure 6

In anchoring the new design, pull-out resistance of the anchor unit is provided not only by adhesion between the block material and injection resin, but also by the additional volume of the cellular concrete block that is involved into the work. This can be seen in Figure 7, when a conical anchor under the trademark FIS V 360 S (fischer) is pulled out from a cellular concrete block, pull-out resistance is provided by a considerable mass of the block located around the cone. At the same time the bearing capacity of the conical anchor under the trade mark FIS V 360 S (fischer) is 5 - 6 times higher than that of all other trademarks of anchors and, taking into account an anchor unit fraction behavior, the safety factor for anchor pull-out resistance calculations can be taken as the same as for evaluation of cellular concrete blocks strength according to the construction norms and regulations SNiP11-22-81 “Stone and reinforced stone structures”, i.e. k= 2.25.

Figure 7

Conclusion

Analysis of experimental results obtained in the course of determining the pull-out resistance of anchors in cellular concrete blocks enables us to note: For fastening elements of façade systems to the walls made of cellular concrete blocks it is recommended to use anchors of the second group, with a thread design. In especially critical structures, such as high-rise or unique buildings, consideration should be given to the fischer FIS V 360 S utilising the special conical drill.

Note:

The results and recommendations of this report are published as submitted by the authors and have not been verified independently.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

insight

It’s worth spending a few minutes in the reception area of T.I. Midwood’s new warehouse, office and quality building – if only to reflect on where the company came from and what has made it one of the UK’s largest and best respected fastener wholesalers.

Space to grow

n 4th February 2011, Ann Hall - widow of the late Tim Midwood, founder of the company that bears his name - formally unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of TIMco House. In addition to providing a complete new suite of administrative and sales offices and a specifically designed quality room (replacing the now famous and time honoured garden shed) the new building extends TIMco’s warehouse by 1,700 square metres, providing a total of more than 8,500 pallet positions, currently holding 4,500 tonnes of inventory across 4,600 product lines.

and go a long way to explaining Midwood’s success. Perhaps most insightful, is a UK and Irish map comprised of TIMco customer names with the inscription, “Since 1972 you have helped to make us one of the UK’s largest wholesale suppliers of fasteners, fixings, nails and power tool accessories. Thank you.” It was a theme that Simon Midwood reiterated in speaking to guests, who included customers, suppliers, company personnel, and local business support organisations: “Collectively you have made TIMco what it is.” Turning to the development of the new building he acknowledged, “Naivety is a wonderful thing. I had no idea what we had taken on”. The decision taken in principle three years ago was, Simon explained, “based on optimism – building sales, increasing the sales team, expanding the range.” The final decision to go ahead was taken in 2009 in the midst of an extraordinary challenging market. However, Simon Midwood revealed, the company had in the last three years achieved 40% volume growth. The company now has thirty-seven employees in the UK, including nine sales representatives. It recently established a Taiwan sourcing and quality assurance office, employing another ten people, also present at the opening. To the entire TIMco team Simon Midwood extended his appreciation, calling them the people who had “stood up and taken on the challenge of a growing company”. Looking forward, Simon Midwood told Fastener + Fixing Magazine that he saw the company’s main objectives as further strengthening the brand and systemising its packaging to work more effectively on TIMco’s merchandiser units, which have been redesigned to enhance the quality of information provided to end customers.

Later Ann Hall recalled to guests assembled in the new sales office, “In 1972 we had three young children, as well as endless dogs and ponies, but we borrowed the money from the bank and imported our first container from Taiwan.” Toasting his absent father Simon Midwood noted: “My father and my mother created an industry name”. Which is why it is worth spending those few minutes in a reception area, where an illustrated timeline details the company’s development from an initial small range of nylon insert nuts and self tapping screws, through a series of product introductions and warehouses, and the industry-wide shock of Tim Midwood’s death in 1996, to the current ten million pound sales operation - despatching 180 orders a day to mostly longstanding customers throughout the UK and Ireland. In the reception area two other displays quote some of those customers

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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Standards on Powder Actuated Tools coming soon Barbara Sorgato, secretary to the European Consortium of Anchor Producers, and these days a regular participant in European standards development, provides a ‘heads up’ on forthcoming regulatory changes on Powder Actuated Tools… and a word of warning for companies that allow others to take the initiative.

oon Powder Actuated Tools (PAT) and their components – fixing cartridges and nails for PAT – will be obliged to have the CE marking. The legal history of Powder Actuated Tools and their components is very peculiar. Powder Actuated Tools have been present on the European market since the 1940s. Before they enter the market, Powder Actuated Tools as well as cartridges have always been proofed according to the technical requirements set up by the Permanent International Commission for Firearms Testing commonly abbreviated as C.I.P. CIP tests are not considered as European norms, so, no European CE marking on PAT and on fixing cartridges has ever been possible. To obtain the CE marking, as a matter of fact, first of all one must relate a product with an EU Directive, then one has to have an EU technical standard. Let’s see what happened for PATs and their components.

Powder Actuated Tools In 2006 the Machinery Directive was revised. It also included Powder Actuated Tools. Consequently, the European Commission gave a mandate to CEN to issue a standard for Powder Actuated Tools. The standard was drawn up by the group CEN/TC/213, WG 1, which started to work in 2007. The working team was composed of the companies represented by ECAP, Hilti, Spit/ITW and by some advisors and national marking bodies. The regulation was finished in 2009, and the CE marking for Powder Actuated Tools will be possible starting from October 2011 and will be mandatory from 2013.

standards for pyrotechnic articles are developed. The working team was composed of the companies represented by ECAP, Hilti, and by ammunitions producers. The standard is currently under CEN approval, and it is expected to be published within 2011.

Nails for PAT Nails fall under the Construction Products Regulation. They are ruled by CEN standards, but these do not take into consideration nails with the so called ‘ballistic point’, that is to say those used for PATs. In the last years, two non-standard PAT nails – “Powder actuated fasteners for the fixings of insulation materials” and “cartridge fired pins”, have obtained a Common Understanding for Assessment Procedure (CUAP). A CUAP is a very important tool for the European market: it is a procedure for innovative products which are not covered by any harmonised European specification, and it allows firms to place on the market their products with a CE marking, without waiting for the time required to make a standard (usually more than 2 years). A new CUAP for standard PAT nails, “Power-actuated fastener for multiple use in concrete for non-structural applications”, has recently been drafted by DIBt, the German EOTA Approval Body, in cooperation with three nails producers, and it is waiting for the final endorsement. Starting from 2011 CE marked standard PAT nails will have to comply with this CUAP. What does this imply? The text of the CUAP is not public, but some basic information is available: only nails made of stainless steel are admitted for external use; nails must be tested also on slotted concrete, following a principle similar to that of anchors; just like CIP, also CUAP implies a closed system of “tool-cartridge-nail”. According to the principle: no component can be standardised. So, every brand of nail must be tested on every PAT model. It is like saying, for instance: before using a Michelin tyre, I must test its compatibility with every single car model by Fiat, Ford, Audi, etc. One can discuss how to make a CUAP more consumer friendly, but there is something, which is more important: are these companies really aware of the existence and potentialities offered by this powerful normative instrument? How many companies are able to take advantage of the fact that who comes first defines the technical specification of their own product, and consequently the market rules?

Fixing cartridges

So, European companies, do not just stand there… take the initiative!

Cartridges for powder actuated fastening tools, as well as pretensioners for seatbelts and airbags, fall under the definition of a pyrotechnic article. So, in 2009 they were included in the work programme of CEN TC 212, WG 5, where harmonised

Who comes later will not have the task and burden of drawingup the normative text, but, if he wants to get the CE marking, he will have to comply with your rules. And that means much.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

nuts K sm® welding by Kohlhage K sm ® welding nuts have been developed by Kohlhage during many years of experience with resistance welding. Millions of them have already been proved their capabilities such as • 2 times higher strength of welding against DIN 928/929 • safe resistance welding process • tightly welded, no gaps between nut and assembly part • no surface defects caused by galvanic acids • no splash • easy positioning prior to welding • safe process

Kohlhage Befestigungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG Hönnestraße 22 D-58809 Neuenrade-Küntrop Tel.: +49 2394 619-0 Fax: +49 2394 619-94 Befestigungstechnik@kohlhage.de

www.kohlhage.de

C ATA LOGU E R A C K

March 2011

Italy Fastener + Fixing Magazine provides a unique reference guide that offers the industry a fast and easy way to source both current and upcoming product Catalogues. Use this convenient service to call, fax or email the companies to request a copy of their latest Catalogue and up to date product information.

Ambrovit

BBA Srl

Ambrovit is one of Europeâ€™s largest wholesale distributors of chipboard, self-tapping and self-drilling screws.

A manufacturer of standard blind rivet nuts and the new Bulge Control Technology series of high performance rivet nuts. Known for excellent product quality and significant inventory levels, BBA provides the highest levels of service to itâ€™s distributors. BBA is now seeking more distributors to join our growing network.

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

since Cost reduction of supply chain Optimization of inventories

Reduction of handled items Elimination internal / external processing Certain costs Sending / receiving document in electronic format Orders Delivery notes Invoices

SERVICES

Support and technical advice Execution of technical drawings Execution of any kind of special items

We are a group of people passioned in our work and always determined to improve. We continually look forward to innovate to suggest our customers the competence and professionalism they deserve. Their satisfaction is our lifeblood.

HEAD OFFICE:

ITALY BRANCHS: Ancona, Anzola Emilia, Bari, Caserta, Padova, Pavia, Reggio E. Rimini,Roma, Treviso, Varese

email: info@bbafasteners.com www.bbafasteners.com

Berardi Bullonerie SRL

Carlo Salvi

We are distributors of fasteners since four generations. We are always focusing on maximum customer satisfaction and high quality services offered with competence and professionalism. We started in 1919. Today we are a modern distribution centre. Thanks to the wide range of products and services, we contribute to the growth of many companies.

European-Quality and attention to technical details characterize Carlo Salvi machines.

Continuous evolution and patented equipment make our machines unique. The Carlo Salvi technology is designed for the future. Our team is constantly developing innovative solutions. email: carlosalvi@carlosalvi.it This made us the world leader in Cold Forming Technology and Innovation. www.carlosalvi.it

email: info@gberardi.com ww.gberardi.com

Tel: +39 (0) 341 263 090 www.cometo.eu

Carlo Salvi trademark is synonymous with high precision and reliability.

Cometo Snc

Corbetta Srl

Since 1983 Cometo is a valuable supplier for the wire and cable industry. One of the latest news in our production range is the electronic feeder EFM-3116: completely automatic rollers opening, pressure controlled by a load cell, higher speed, reduced noise. Can be interfaced with other machines.

We have been producing high quality forming screws, rivets and pivots according to drawing for 40 years. The recent generation change allows us to adapt our experience to the fast market changes. Our mission: Highest quality and flexibility for a product entirely manufactured in Italy. email: corbettaviti@corbettaviti.it www.corbettaviti.it

www.fastenerandfixing.com

C ATA LOGU E R A C K www.defremm.it

DEFREMM S.p.A.

G&B Fissaggi

Defremm S.p.A., ISO/TS 16949:2009 certified, specialises in cold forming production from carbon steel, aluminium alloy, copper, brass and stainless steel wire. Defremm manufactures special parts according to customer drawings for different applications: automotive, household appliances, fittings, sports equipment, fasteners and standard parts such as rivet nuts and blind rivets.

30 YEARS OF FIXING EVOLUTION

email: r.casagranda@defremm.it www.defremm.it

Tel: +39 0119 619 433 www.gebfissaggi.com

Growermetal Growermetal is a modern company located in Calco. Since 1950, Growermetal is a leading manufacturer of security washers, standard washers as well as special parts according to customer specifications. The latest product launched on the market is the Grower Twin-Lock®, a great bolt security system for safe locking, that guarantees the best performances even with vibrations and dynamic loads!

ENGLISH-GERMAN

Tel: +39 039 95 35 300 www.growermetal.it

the GUIDE TO THE SYSTEM • FÜHRUNG ZUM SYSTEM

Tel: +39 0131 87 161 www.ingramatic.com

email: sales@italbolt.com www.italbolt.com

Experts in production of anchoring systems we are able to offer a large line of nylon, steel and chemical anchors certified according to the strictest regulations such as CE Certification, Zullassung and Fire Resistance Test. The new Catalogue 2010, totally restyled in graphics, presents new products and fixing guide. Quality System Management certified according to UNI EN ISO 9001:2008.

GSE Sas All Fastener Standards

ISO-EN-DIN-UNI-NF at your fingertips

Unique Software Dimensions - mechanical characteristics drawings, reports, old Norms, compare

Tel: +39 0382 175 0079 www.eurofasteners.com

GSE SAS is since 1993 the main reference of European standards and, soon, American fasteners. The founder, Robert Greborio, invented and created the software Screws@2000 which, with the help of various normative institutes, allowed to make available to worldwide users this unique instrument. Currently, this tool is considered the “Bible” of screws and it is recommended by manufacturers and certification bodies.

Ingramatic Spa

INOXDADI S.R.L.

World leading designer and manufacturer of thread rolling and shank pointing machines for screws, bolts and special fasteners also rolled after heat treatment with or without washer assembly units.

Manufacturers and exporters of stainless steel and brass nuts, bolts and washers. Producers of nuts and washers in Aluminium, Copper, Monel, Duplex, Nickel Alloys, Hastelloy, Titanium, ASTM A194 Gr.2H and 2HM, Stainless Steels like AISI 316Ti, 904L, etc.

Our sales offices worldwide, together with our engineering departments, cooperate closely with customers in order to come up with best technical and manufacturing solutions.

Tel: +39 (0) 363 914 959 56 www.inoxdadi.com

Italbolt Inox Service SRL

Mecavit Srl

Italbolt Inox Service is an Italian Trading Company specialized in stainless steel fasteners. We are a leading company on national and foreign markets and our strengh is a very quick service, and a wide range of products such us hexagonal, socket and countersunk screws, washers, nuts and threaded rods… and much more! EVERYTHING....BUT IN STAINLESS STEEL ONLY !!!!

MECAVIT, screw manufacturer with thirty years of activity and experience, is a leader in the Italian market of special and standard screws in carbon and stainless steel. The range of production is highly specialized in both socket and 6 lobes small dimensioned screws in different kinds of high resistance carbon steel. Please contact us to find out more.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Tel: +39 0542 670 560 www.mecavit.it

C ATA LOGU E R A C K Metallurgica Viro SRL

Nordic Metalblok

Metallurgica Viro Srl was established in 1973 as a family run business which was the sole supplier of an important French bolt-seller. We are one of the most important Italian producers of standard and special washers. We also produce a great variety of hardware articles. Contact us to have our Catalogue!

1971-2011. Forty years of production in Italy. Nordic Metalblok is the unique Italian manufacturer of metal hose clamps and the value of our original products are well appreciated on the market because we have never compromised our quality. Range of clamps for industry, automotive and spare parts, hydraulic and ventilation sectors, marine sector.

email: metviro@tin.it Tel: +39 0424 861 178.

email: export@nordicmetalblok.com www.nordicmetalblok.com

email: rivit@rivit.it www.rivit.it

ENGLISH-GERMAN

GUIDE TO THE SYSTEM â€˘ FĂœHRUNG ZUM SYSTEM

the

Founded in 1973, Rivit is a European leader for fasteners and tools, proposing a complete programme of fixing systems, tools, machines and technical support for the whole sheet metal universe (automotive, electronics, household appliances, sheet metal working, air-conditioning, building, roofing, metal door and windows frames, etc.).

email: info@psmcelada.it www.psmcelada.it

PSM CELADA Fasteners is the Italian leader in providing innovative fastening and assembly solutions. With more than 50 years of experience entirely devoted to the distribution of high quality specialised fasteners, our company has achieved a reputation of absolute excellence for its capacity to follow any customer requirement and supplying a full range of products ready ex stock.

Product Guide

RIVIT Srl

Fastening Solutions

PSM Celada

Sacma Limbiate Spa

Sala Punzoni SRL

World leading designer and manufacturer of Cold Forming, progressive heading, screw making, bolt making and warm forming machines for production of standard fasteners, special fasteners and special parts used in the Automotive Industry, Aerospace, Construction, Electrical appliance and general industry up to M30 and 300 mm.

Sala Punzoni srl, established in 1966, is a company manufacturing standard and special high speed steel and carbide punches to customer drawing and high speed steel flat dies for thread rolling. Nowadays the company is the leader in Italy and even in the international market, always updating its productive and planning processes in order to maintain the best standard of manufacture.

Tel: +39 02 99 45 21 www.sacmalimbiate.it

Tel: +39 341 633 237 www.salapunzoni.it

Trafilerie Chioderie Torre deâ€™ Busi S.A.S

Tecfi Spa TECFI S.P.A. is an Italian company specialised in design, production and merchandising of fixing systems with an own brand. Our daily work strongholds are: the employment of selected raw materials, a large stock availability, quick delivery service, focusing on customer satisfaction and extreme respect for environment. Tel: +39 0823 883 338 email: sales@tecfi.it

Original titibiÂŽ products: the best choice for your fastening problems for construction, installation and decoration. With the best quality products. (BY FAX) Contact us! Our tecnical team is at your disposition.

email: titibi@titibi.com www.titibi.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

C ATA LOGU E R A C K UBK SpA

Vipa Spa

UBK S.p.A., founded in 1967, is a well-known high quality fasteners distributor. Our main customers are OEM and retailers, too. Our stock allows us to supply more than 90% of our selling program, which includes standard and special parts. We are ISO 9001 certified since 1995.

Vipa S.p.A leader in the business of fasteners; a reference company for its services and product quality. At the moment the head office ground lays over 130,000 sqm. The warehouse is the major part of it; with modern technology systems, software and hardware, to maximize the efficiency in the production and distribution of all products. The wide spaces allow availability of 40,000 different types of fasteners in a wide range of treatments ready for prompt delivery.

email: info@ubkunbrako.com www.ubk.it

Tel: +39 0522 658 900 www.vipaspa.it

Vitari Spa

Viteria Fusani SRL

VITARI SPA located near Milan has been manufacturing wire processing machines since 1925. Renowned for its nail making machines, VITARI has now launched a complete highperformance line of cold headers for the fastener industry. Efficient, robust and reliable machines with a transfer system which is quite unique.

Screw manufacturers since 1955. Production of standard and special screws to customer design. Screw size from Ø 1,6 to Ø 8 • Metric screws • Self-tapping for plastic materials • Dual thread self-tapping • Wood screws • Screws for chipboards • Self-forming with trilobated profile • Machine screws • Security screws Different types of materials and treatments.

Tel: +39 035 528 900 www.vitari.com

email: info@viteriafusani.it www.viteriafusani.it

Catalogue Rack May 2011 Coming up in the next issue... European manufacturers

Contact: Claire Lake email: claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com • Tel: +44 (0) 1727 739 150 92

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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Atotech gains Volkswagen TL 180 approval Atotech Deutschland GmbH, based in Berlin, Germany, has recently gained Volkswagen TL 180 approval with its zinc flake system Zintek® Black.

he new Volkswagen TL 180 specification requires a Cr(VI)-free black zinc flake coating with high corrosion protection for automotive parts. This coating is typically used on small, bulk processed threaded fasteners. Since the zinc flake technology presents no risks of hydrogen embrittlement, the coating is also suited for high tensile fasteners. Automotive industry’s expectations and requirements are particularly high when it comes to finishes appearances. As regards to black finishes, uniformity and long-term stability of the colour are among the main issues of concern. In addition to that, the TL 180 specification also requires excellent corrosion resistance, constant friction values and very good heat loosening properties. With its zinc flake system Zintek® Black, Atotech has met such challenging demands and gained the TL 180 approval. Combining Atotech’s unique black base coat Zintek® 300 B with specialised Techseal® Black top coats, the Zintek® Black system provides a uniform deep black appearance with no silver shine through even after handling. Furthermore, the system meets Volkswagen’s friction values window and boasts excellent heat loosening properties. The Zintek® Black system also successfully passed TL 180 corrosion protection requirements: 720 hours without red rust and 240 hours not exceeding the S1 classification according to DIN 34804.

Drawing on experience MANFISA, a Spanish company based in Irurtzun, Navarra, has been a specialist in aluminium wire drawing and casting maker since 1973, gaining an experience that has enabled it to develop a wide range of highly productive wires.

ANFISA draws pure and aluminium alloys in a variety of diameters from 0.8mm to 10mm, suitable for mechanical and electrical applications as fasteners, nails, rivets, screws, bolts, nuts, aerials, clips, electric fencing, fences, metallisation and others. MANFISA is also planning to develop new alloy grades and thicker diameters up to 20mm - 22mm. In addition to a wide product range, MANFISA offers a comprehensive range of services: the wire is treated, packaged and supplied as per its customers’ specifications. MANFISA is also certified according to ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004.

EWMenn´s biggest baby so far Weighing in at 42 tonnes EWMenn´s biggest machine so far left the factory in Hilchenbach, Germany, last December. It has since been in operation at a customer´s plant.

he GW 161-HXL flat die thread rolling machine is capable of threading parts with up to 800mm shank length and thread lengths of 350mm. It will primarily be used in the production of wood and construction type fasteners with diameters between 7mm and 16mm. Features of the smaller machines are also incorporated on this new truly large machine. Hydraulic die carrier clamping as well as diameter adjustment is made from the touchscreen operator panel. So is the height adjustment of the rails and feeder console. To facilitate die change and setup the reinforcing bar across the die area can be moved out of the way electrically by simply pushing a button. And even on this big machine, with its high power 95kW drive, die match can be set while the machine is running parts. All these features were developed by EWMenn and can be installed on the current models.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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New chamfer and stamp machines Videx is offering a new series of machines for chamfer and stamp hi-tensile studs (for B7) with optional drilling (for weld studs).

ach model has capacity for a wide range of wire diameters and lengths. These CE safety-approved machines are easy to set-up, and are low maintenance. They are designed and constructed for production of small and medium sized batches. Videx points out that the heavy-duty chamfer heads produce a clean smooth chamfer, and longer life of the chamfer tips. The chamfers are cut dry, at high speed, without lubricant and the dry chips are then ejected from the machine, keeping the work area

dry and clean. Stamping can be single, or double-end. The machines accept pre-cut blanks, which can be fed automatically by an external feeder, or by a hand-feed magazine. When working from long bars, Videx offers a quick-change feed table, and a bar shear that will cut the bars to a precise length, and remove the bar ends to a recycle bin. Working from coil is also possible, up to M24 (1 inch). An optional conveyor can also be added, to feed the chamfered and stamped blanks into a thread roller, if required.

ND INDUSTRIES ANNOUNCES LICENSEE OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA A pioneer in advanced fastening and sealing technologies since 1955, ND Industries is pleased to offer select business entities a chance to expand their operation and increase profits in the fastener processing industry.

ND INDUSTRIES CAN PROVIDE ITS LICENSEES THE FOLLOWING: — ND Materials: • Because ND manufactures our own materials, we are able to provide them to our licensees at significant cost savings. • Our products meet or exceed OEM specifications for Automotive, Military, Aerospace, and more. — ND Processing Equipment: Due to over 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing our own processing machines: • Our licensees utilize equipment with some of the fastest rates in the industry. • Processed parts exhibit excellent uniform thread coverage pattern and minimal touch marks. • Materials can be accurately applied to a wide variety of fasteners such as bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, clips, and tabs.

— ND Technical Support: • ND’s highly trained Research and Development staff is available to help you formulate a product that is custom tailored to your customers unique needs. • ND’s Technology Group is an A2LA accredited testing laboratory specializing in ASTM, GM, Ford, Chrysler, SAE/USCAR, IFI, and MIL standards and approval processes. • Our in-house custom blending facility allows us to keep chemical mixing costs down while providing fast turn around times. All of ND Industries adhesive and sealant formulations are ROHS compliant.

REACH COMPLIANT

TESTING CERT #2628.01

Join a leader in fastener thread locking, masking, lubricating, and sealing.

ND Industries, Inc., MI, USA • Phone: 248-655-2513 • Email: licensee@ndindustries.com • www.ndindustries.com New Jersey • North Carolina • Michigan • Ohio • Illinois • Florida • Texas • California • China • Taiwan ND and ND Industries are registered trademarks of ND Industries, Inc.

ma n u fa ct u r i n g t e c h n o lo g y

New SACMA technology for challenging parts SACMA Group has started 2011 with the introduction of two new machine models in order to satisfy requirements from the aerospace and automotive markets.

or the aerospace market SACMA offers its Warm Forming Headers, to allow production of fasteners from special materials that have a poor aptitude to be formed at room temperature. The warm forming application allows the successful deformation of the following materials: • Titanium alloys (Ti3, 5Al2V,Ti6Al4V). • Light alloys (2000 and 6000 series). • Nickel super alloys (waspalloy, incoloy, inconel). • Stainless steels (A286, A310).

• Second induction coil: for pre-heating the wire to a middle working temperature. The pre-heating induction system is available from 30kW to 80kW power, according to the machine size.

• Solid die block, with coated sleeve in each station, with a circuit for circulation of coolant liquid and a location for installation of a pyrometer to control the temperature of the wire.

• Integrated fire extinguishing system, with flame detection sensors and CO2 spray nozzles.

• Powered feeder to introduce the wire up to the cut-off station. The pull back system allows automatic retraction of the wire and shutting off the induction power in case of machine stoppage.

• Automatic motorised adjustments of the positioning of the stock gauge tip and of the threaded sleeve, allowing corrections of the cut-off blank length and of the position of the die ejector pins, during production and without stopping the machine. All the input data relative to the set-up of the machine and the induction power requirements are memorised in the SC-MATIC system.

New Ingramatic heavy duty thread roller

SACMA supplies the WF Headers with a range of standard features, which facilitate automatic management of production using PLC and Touch Screen panel Interface. Features of SACMA WF Headers include:

• First induction coil: this induction coil is behind the cut-off quill and located in the main frame. An external sleeve allows circulation of coolant liquid between sleeve and frame.

For the automotive market SACMA has introduced the new Ingramatic RP72-R1-XXL thread roller, which demonstrates the flexibility of SACMA Group’s machines. SACMA says, the Ingramatic RP72-R1-XXL is targeted specifically at factories aiming to achieve a definitive presence in the automotive market, by having the capability to thread extra long parts after heat treatment and also to assemble with washers. Ingramatic incorporates new feeding rails to thread very long parts up to 370mm without washer and 200mm with washer. New options including Computerised Quick Die Match and Electronic Handwheel are available to reduce the set up time of the thread rolling machines and to make it operator friendly.

New spline rolling machine ORT ITALIA has introduced a new spline rolling machine RP 20 CNC/E, which it is confident has been designed on the basis of all the most modern technical criteria.

he new spline rolling machine offers a user friendly man-machine interface which helps the operator in all his operations, from rolls synchronisation to production changeover and 3D diagnostics. The machine offers production monitoring and verifies the conformity of each piece in real time. Machine working cycles are also preloaded and are easy for the operator to select. ORT ITALIA points out that the RP 20 CNC/E is an environmental friendly machine, because it uses only the energy necessary for production. Also, the hydraulic power pack has been replaced by electromechanical power transmission with minimal environmental impact. The RP 20 CNC/E is completely electrical, as it has a CNC control panel with a SIEMENS SINUMERIK 840 DI. The machine is also free from variations of temperature due to the use of an electromechanical axis instead of a hydraulic one. Torque can be controlled on each motor. In plunge rolling, the minimum rolling diameter is 3mm, and the maximum is 50mm. The stroke is controlled by SIEMENS CNC, with the positioning controlled by a linear encoder with a 0.0005mm resolution. Finally the slide is electromechanical, with a speed of 20mm/s, sliding on two robust linear guides. Head inclination is monitored in the CNC with a resolution of 0.02°.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

victorycommunication.it

the

You are looking for flexibility, choose an industrial solution. THE NEW THREAD ROLLING CENTRE INGRAMATIC.

IT Y FLEXIBIL NS SOLUTIO

Innovative solution: the new In w Thread Rolling Centre. Nothing by hand but everything computerized.

THREAD ROLLING CENTRE

TYPE P THREAD ROLLING MACHINES

Flexibility in production has become an essential parameter in conquering new markets. It is important to produce highly customized machines according to the customer needs and strategies. Ingramatic present several solutions, such as: THREAD ROLLING CENTRE; which demonstrates machine flexibility, directly targeting dynamic factories present in different markets with only one production mean, the capability to thread parts after heat treatment, special parts (grooves) and studs. For this achievement Ingramatic incorporates different feeding systems within the same machine, in order to enable it to produce both bolts and studs. The machine includes both rails and vibratory feeder for screws and a tube device feeding unthreaded studs into the introduction area.

WASHER AND BLANK PORTER UNIT

VIBRATORY FEEDER

Other customers may want to use the machine for only one product, minimizing downtime and maximizing the machine productivity. To meet this need we propose solutions which allow both automatic and continuous blanks feeding; such as our vertical feeding systems for bolts and the Porter feeding system, for both screws and washers. In addition Ingramatic has several solutions providing both maximum reliability and working life; thanks to the high specification of the machine feed items (HSS rails, control sensors, discharge rails, conveyors, etc.)

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

ma n u fa ct u r i n g t e c h n o lo g y

A system to protect your investment rose plastic UK, a manufacturer of plastic packaging, has seen an increase in demand for its innovative range of cutting tool packaging.

ompanies are recognising the benefits of providing much greater product protection by utilising rose plastic’s wide range of telescopic tubes and boxes for the transportation of goods back to customers. rose plastic offers a wide range of ‘off the shelf’ packaging solutions, which are easy to label and quick and simple to package. The packaging can be used by manufacturers as transit packaging to protect their cutting tools. Throughout the process, the cutting tools are given the best possible protection, which ensures less damage in transit and greater customer satisfaction. Companies also have the option to have their plastic packaging personalised with their own corporate colours or company branding to enhance their relationships with customers. One product suitable for cutting tool protection is rose plastic’s SystemBoard. SystemBoard has been purpose-designed to hold cutting tools of all shapes and sizes rigidly in place during the transportation process. This helps to reduce damage and offers an organised arrangement of tools, which are securely held in place by the product shank. In addition, SystemBoard provides an invaluable storage solution for tool manufacturers or specialist coating companies. For cleansing purposes too, tools can be left in the SystemBoard unit, which can withstand temperatures up to 120°C. To complement SystemBoard, rose plastic offers a range of transportation containers, which can be used for the transit packaging of a SystemBoard to and from clients’ production facilities.

Developing innovative metal forming processes National Machinery LLC’s dedicated engineering division, Met-MAX Innovations, has the total objective of developing innovative metal forming processes. Its most recent technological success has led to three new patents for net forming bearing rollers.

he overall technology yields a more complete and stronger part, while also being more cost effective, says National Machinery. This new method for cold forming near net shape metal roller blanks for anti-friction bearings, demonstrates a significant manufacturing improvement over the pre-existing method. Traditionally cold formed rollers are formed in a single die where ‘body sized’ wire is cut off and the material is forced to flow into the radii of the tool and die cavity. This can imbed cut-off imperfections into the roller’s critical end radii. In order to generate the force needed to fill the corners, the material spills out between the tool and die. This creates a flash band, and it is common that the radii will still not fill uniformly. Extensive grinding is then needed to remove imperfections and finish the end radii adding significantly to the cost of the finished roller. These secondary operations are necessary because of the limitations of the traditional roller bearing forming methods and tooling used. National’s patents for cold formed roller blanks can greatly reduce grinding costs and result in an improved metal grain structure. The enhanced cold-formed part is produced from tooling that accurately forms the part without flash, and with a continuous grain structure that follows the contours of the end radii, thereby avoiding irregularities in the finished product. The improved grain structure prevents premature bearing failure and extends service life of the roller. This process requires a specialised progressive FORMAX Plus® machine. These machine enhancements can be incorporated on any size Traditional National’s patented forming method of new FORMAX Plus cold former. With National’s forming method patented roller bearing forming process, you will achieve stronger, higher quality rollers while reducing expensive secondary procedures. “The technology behind these patents can be applied to other applications that require extreme symmetry and TIR requirements, including solid/ hollow parts. Improved forming methodology for bearing rollers is just one example of the valuable technology National Machinery LLC can apply to your parts forming needs. The experts at National are ready Improved grain to help you find better forming solutions for all your Flash band Flash less structure challenging parts.”

100 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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The next generation of ultra-emission technology

At the recent EuroBLECH exhibition, BRANKAMP presented its innovative ProcessMonitoring-system X7, which features state of the art monitoringtechnology and can fulfil the complex requirements to be met in monitoring modern servo presses.

RANKAMP, based in Erkrath, Germany, reports that the X7 was one of the trade show highlights at EuroBLECH. The innovative ProcessMonitoring-system proved to be a real eye-catcher, thanks to its modern design. Yet not only the aesthetics are convincing. Workers for instance are able to register with the system via RFID-technology, fast and reliably. Other possibilities of the new system are promising as well: BRANKAMP X7 is already designed to work with the new servo press-technology. Experts forecast that production of car bodies and other sheet metal parts will soon be handled exclusively on servo presses everywhere. This new press generation employs servo motors which are directly connected to the eccentric wheel, a technology which might soon be the industry’s new operating standard. Quality management, optimum adjustments and machine protection can all be handled by the new BRANKAMP X7. “The new BRANKAMP X7 is the next generation of the well proven ultra-emission-technology. It features excellent signal quality thanks to an ‘intelligent charge amplifier’, up to 24 analogue monitoring channels as well as ideal connection to the modern BRANKAMP FactoryNet.”

ENKOTEC’s highly efficient inline solutions An ENKOTEC inline nail manufacturing system may consist of a high-volume rotary nail machine with an integrated payoff, a magnetic conveyor, and a thread rolling machine.

NKOTEC, a supplier of machinery for the manufacture of mass produced nails, as well as customised solutions, highlights the numerous advantages that its inline solutions incorporate.

High efficiency rates The output-per minute-rate is the highest in the market, without affecting the production stability. The thoroughly proven machines, equipped with high-quality, durable precision tooling, ensure cost-effective operations and excellent reliability. The inline system is controlled from the nail machine touch screen, which is easy to navigate and allows for quick setup of nail parameters. Tooling changeovers and maintenance routines are easy to carry out owing to the user-friendly machine design.

Automated manufacturing While making it possible to produce nails at an unprecedented speed, the ENKOTEC rotary forming principle, ensuring high uniform nail quality and high process stability, allows for long-term uninterrupted production. Once the nail dimensions are set, production can take place unmanned, and only limited staff is required to carry out changeovers and maintenance.

Wide dimension range With ENKOTEC’s nail machines, producing up to 2,000 nails per minute, it is possible to cover nail dimensions of diameter 1.8 to 4.2 and 32mm to 127mm length. The ENKOTEC thread rolling machine is specially designed for making screw shank or annular nail profiles with a production speed of up to 2,500 nails per minute. The working area of the machine is diameter 1.8 to 4.2 and 32mm to 105mm nail length with a profile height of 27mm to 76mm.

Eco-friendly operation As ENKOTEC machinery requires no lubrication and, as it is possible to efficiently evacuate dust, the nails produced are so clean that there is no need for subsequent nail tumbling. The energy consumption of the machines is very small and, in addition, the rotary forming principle results in a low-noise production process, ensuring an agreeable working environment.

One supplier – full support ENKOTEC is the total supplier of its inline manufacturing solutions and therefore guarantees the performance of the complete lines. The customers are sure to acquire a production line, where the individual machines composing the line have been combined and tested thoroughly for reliable and efficient inline function. Furthermore, by having only one supplier, the customers will benefit from ENKOTEC’s well-known and extensive service concept, including quick supplies of spare parts, technical support at all levels, and customised training programmes. Managing director Bent Petersen said: “ENKOTEC’s new inline nail manufacturing solutions, featuring a balanced combination of well-proven systems and modern technology, prove our wish to constantly put our customers ahead of competition. We will be happy to demonstrate an inline manufacturing system in operation to interested customers.”

102 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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Duo at the Hanover Messe Once again, Dörken MKS-Systeme is represented in two areas at the Hanover fair (4th – 8th April 2011) with a stand in the ‘SurfaceTechnology’ area focusing upon the field of automobile construction, and a stand in the ‘Wind’ area focusing on Dörken’s system solutions for the construction of wind energy plants.

n the ‘SurfaceTechnology’ area, in Hall 6, Dörken will present the new field of electroplating on stand H29, alongside the established zinc flake system of the Delta-Protekt® series, with a focus on “Connecting elements in automobile construction”. With the takeover of LP-Oberflächentechnik GmbH of Schalksmühle at the end of September 2010 the area of expertise in this field has been further extended to cover this discipline at Dörken MKS-Systeme. The ecologically-aligned electroplating systems of the LPO series are set to be developed further, with a focus on high-quality, functional corrosion protection. As a consequence, Dörken MKS-Systeme is appearing at the fair as an all-round provider in the area of corrosion protection. “In future we will be able to offer a Delta-MKS® system for every component as far as micro-layer corrosion protection is concerned,” says Dr. Gerhard Reusmann, managing director of Dörken MKS-Systeme. On stand F11 in hall 27 Dörken will be presenting high-performance systems for the steadily growing wind energy market in the scope of the “Wind - Leading Trade Fair for Wind Generation Technology, Components and Services”. Approved by the major manufacturers worldwide, proven and specified problem solutions such as the system comprising the basecoat Delta®Tone and the topcoat Delta®-Seal have been incorporated in wind turbine construction for over 15 years now, particularly in the area of rotor blade fastenings. Special systems of the Delta-Protekt® series for offshore use are on display in Hanover. In addition to high corrosion protection requirements, this area of application also calls for optimal ease of fastening on the construction site.

Induction heating on HILGELAND formers Stainless steel fasteners of higher value are used in the commercial and all the industrial sectors. The production of these fasteners creates high demands on manufacturers and suppliers.

Induction heating system installed on a HILGELAND former.

he stainless precision parts forming process increases tool wear. They are produced at a low output compared with the production of steel fasteners. By heating the material with means of resistance heating it is possible to achieve a better quality and operational performance. Resistance heating can easily be retrofitted in old machines due to the fact that the heating section is outside the machine, between the feed rolls and the contact rolls of the heating system. By resistance heating the complete length of the wire is heated. By the time the material is formed there is a high heat loss. HILGELAND Formers are already prepared for induction heating. The induction coil is placed directly in front of the cutting station. Long cut-off wire can be heated partially, heating only

the wire section required for forming. The loss of temperature is minimal. All radiation of heat can be absorbed by recuperator for protection of the nearby machine components. Induction heating operates without contact of the wire. No special wire coating is needed. Immediately after starting the machine, heated wire material is available. There are only two or three cold cut-offs in the cut-off bush that are dropped off. Induction heating allows easy temperature setting and control. Less energy is needed.

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Influence of wire pre-heating on the mechanical properties (Reference: Sprint Metal – Group Arcelor)

Precision parts forming machinery Machine Show HC5FT Cold former with rotating die-block and 2 forming stations linked with thread roller Cold former (1-die-2-blow) HD6-40 with induction heating Cold former (2 forming stations) HC4-35 with rotating die-block Heading center SMR 2.6 Multi stage former MSF 10

In-House Exhibition From 18th – 21st May 2011 the WAFIOS in-house exhibition will take place again in Wuppertal. WAFIOS Umformtechnik invites to come to the machine show with special highlights and lectures about the forming sector.

Automatic pointer SKM08 Nut tapper MAS 06F two spindle and more...

Lectures Tool development (WAFIOS Umformtechnik) Service – Concept (WAFIOS Umformtechnik)

We look forward to your visit. Please send your announcement to: WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH Im Rehsiepen 35 42369 Wuppertal / Germany Phone +49 (202) 46 68-0 Fax +49 (202) 46 68-225 sales@wafios-umformtechnik.de www.wafios-umformtechnik.de

Hilgeland Kieserling MRP Nutap

3-D Hybrid sensor technology for head crack detection (Schwer & Kopka) WDI-mer Wire surface coating (Westfälische Drahtindustrie) Wire-Pre-Drawing (Jankowski)

m a n u fa ct u r i n g t e c h n o lo g y

Electronics save time Carlo Salvi specialises in manufacturing 2-die 4-blow cold forging machines, able to handle wire diameters from 1.2mm to 10mm. Here, the Lecco-based company describes the time saving advantages of a new electronic version of its Model 246 machine.

-die 4-blow machines enable the manufacture of parts with complex shapes. They are particularly suitable for components whose heads have a very large volume or components where two dies are sufficient but at least three blows are needed, such as socket head screws or trimmed components. A great advantage of these machines comes from the fact that the third blow can very often be used as an introduction punch if parts with large heads and a very short shank have to be transferred, such as might be the case with trimmed hex screws, DIN 931 M6x6mm or DIN 912 M6x8mm socket head screw. Carlo Salvi 2-die 4-blow machines are able to manufacture many different parts, including: • Socket head screws. • Parts with trimmed heads. • Shouldered rivets, both solid and semi-tubular. • Tubular rivets with holes of two different diameters. • Electrical plug prongs. • Fasteners for assembling furniture. • Hose clamps. Now Carlo Salvi has developed a new motorised model called 246E, an enhanced version of the manual Model 246 machine. The new Model 246E, says Carlo Salvi, has thus far been very well received by fastener and precision formed parts manufacturers on the west coast of the USA.

Electronic machine saves time The new 246E incorporates a linear wire feed with universal grippers for all wire diameters. Tooling is less expensive, and there is no need for rolls so no need to stock them. The 246E also provides better cut-off quality with no wire deformation and absence of possible lines. Time saved in comparison with the manual version: around 3 minutes. There is also an absence of the wire stop, with no bending of the cut off. There is no possible deformation or hardening of the surface of the wire, which can pose great danger especially when aluminium or stainless steels are employed. Time saved: between 5 & 10 minutes. The 246E provides electronic adjustment of the cut-off length. This provides more accurate adjustment of length precision (0.05mm), which means better quality of the finished part. Also, there is no requirement to open guards or to use wrenches. Time save: approximately 5 minutes. An optional cutter centering jig centres the cutter away from the machine allowing the operation to be performed while the 246E machine is running. Time saved: around 5 minutes. An optional finger centering jig centres the fingers-also away from the running 246E machine. Time saved: around 10 minutes.

The new electronic cold heading machine provides timing of the transfer in the operator area. There is no need for the operator to move to the other side of the machine. Time saved: approximately 12 minutes. The 246E cold former also provides electronic adjustment of the K.O. lengths on the die side. There is no need to change the K.O. cams. The user can produce solid parts, semi-tubular parts and fully tubular parts without changing any cam. This results in more adjustment of length precision (0.02mm). There is no need to open guards or to employ wrenches, and there is no need to stock K.O. cams. Time saved: around 20 minutes. There is an optional punch centering jig that centres the jig away from the machine. In addition to time savings, this option avoids possible crash of crosses and punch pins. Time saved: approximately 10 minutes. The 246E cold header also provides a longer P.K.O. stroke (2mm longer than the Model 246). And the adjustment is easiermade by a scaled cam. Time saved: up to 15 minutes.

Additional features of the new electronic model The new machine offers tool sizes that are larger than the manual Model 246. The 246E also has a larger heading area. Larger machine and tool tanks reduce maintenance time. Oil filters for the machine and tooling are also located in positions to facilitate maintenance operations. Additionally the new 246E provides improved discharge of finished parts to the operator area. The new machine’s touchscreen facilitates adjustments and the reading of machine alarms. Production data for given parts can be saved and easily recalled in just a few seconds. Also, the new 246E machine provides the capability to mount the bad parts diverter, driven by the load monitoring equipment. The new Model 246E cold header machine offers significant enhancements to reduce production costs when compared with the manual 246 machine. The new electronic machine also saves time and money as it facilitates rapid changeovers between parts.

106 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

m a n u fa ct u r i n g t e c h n o lo g y

Towards better testing for self-loosening The issue of fastener self-loosening has always been of major concern to the fastener and fixing industry for a number of reasons, some obvious right away, others less so.

or users of fasteners, the question is how to make the right choice. There are a bewildering number of options available today. So how do you know the fastener you’re being offered is right for the purpose and won’t self-loosen? If you’re a manufacturer of fasteners, you know that quality assurance is key to inspiring customer confidence but how do you go about guaranteeing this? Also, how do you know you really are complying with tests like the German DIN 65151 standard? The arrival of Danish company Vibrationmaster with its range of Junker Test Benches is already shaking up the fastener and fixing industry. Vibrationmaster offers high quality, lower price machines specifically designed to provide the most demanding standard of vibration testing for self-loosening possible.

Why does self-loosening occur? Dr Bill Eccles of Bolt Science, a consultant engineer specialising in the technical aspects of bolting and an expert well-known to the readers of Fastener + Fixing has written:

“Nuts coming loose and detached from bolts is not a new phenomenon. Patents started to appear in the middle of the nineteenth century proposing improvements in bolt and nut

“ S elf-loosening tests are important in allowing the comparative performance of locking mechanisms used on fasteners to be determined”. Dr Bill Eccles, Bolt Science

design to prevent them coming loose unintentionally. It has been known for forty years that transverse joint movement can completely loosen non-locked nuts. Once relative motion occurs between the threaded surfaces and other contact surfaces of the clamped parts the bolted connection would become almost completely free of friction in a circumferential direction. The bolt preload acting on the thread, which is sloped, creates a torque in the circumferential direction that results in self-loosening of the nut.” Put simply, self-loosening reduces the clamp force acting on a joint. Joint slip occurs and this, in turn, leads to a bolt being subject to bending loads and eventually failing as a result of fatigue.

Is there a solution to self-loosening? There is. The easiest way to stop nuts becoming loose is to design the joint so there is sufficient preload that joint movement will not occur. This is done by tightening the nuts. All well and good in theory but, it’s extremely difficult to know what the forces acting on a joint actually are or will be; and certainly impossible to anticipate every condition. One of the most common methods of providing resistance to self-loosening is by using prevailing torque, or stiff, nuts. The higher the torque, the greater the resistance. There are a number of different torque nut options available on the market, divided into all-metal nuts and those with a non-metallic insert. For the customer, the question becomes which of the multitude of thread locking products – free spinning, friction lock or chemical locking – to choose from. For the manufacturer, the challenge is demonstrating to the customer that its products are the right choice.

108 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Making waves in testing

Vibration testing for self-loosening? There’s a new name you need to know. \ Vibrationmaster patented Junker Test Benches are specifically designed to perform transverse vibration tests on your thread-locking systems, fasteners and washers to determine their resistance to self-loosening. Demonstrate your difference and truly protect your business with Vibrationmaster Junker Test Benches. \ Show your customers you`re better than the competition Transverse Vibration Testing for self-loosening to the highest possible standards is not just about guaranteeing security for you and your customers. Performing a test using our uniquely powerful Junker Test Benches is the best way to prove your self-locking products have the edge over the competition.

\ How can I help you create value? Why not get in touch with me so that I can understand exactly what it is you need and why? Email ms@vibrationmaster.com and let’s get started.

Morten Schiff, CEO Vibrationmaster

Vibrationmaster ApS \ Saltgade 10 –14 \ Postboks 32 \ DK– 6760 Ribe \ +45 53 55 53 45 \ vibrationmaster.com

m a n u fa ct u r i n g t e c h n o lo g y As Bill Eccles says, “self-loosening tests are important in allowing the comparative performance of locking mechanisms used on fasteners to be determined”.

The Junker Test The Junker Vibration Test (DIN 65151) is the standard transverse vibration test. It involves inducing transverse movement into a joint while simultaneously measuring the fastener preload. This creates the most severe conditions possible to bring on self-loosening and test a product’s likelihood of giving way to the problem.

Complying with DIN testing? Testing your products on a Junker Test machine is the only way to comply with DIN 65151 and to test for self-loosening characteristics in general. Which is where Vibrationmaster comes in. Up until now, it reckons, there has been an extremely limited choice of machines available and, in any case, these have not actually met the demands of DIN 65151. Located at Ribe in Denmark, Vibrationmaster currently employs fifteen people and is already making waves in vibration testing, because, as company CEO Morten Schiff explains: “Vibrationmaster Junker Test Benches really do comply with the DIN standard and even go beyond it. They’re also around 30% cheaper than the competition with more advanced technology and, of course, additional benefits.”

“ V ibrationmaster Junker Test Benches really do comply with the DIN standard and even go beyond it. They’re also around 30% cheaper than the competition with more advanced technology and, of course, additional benefits.” Vibrationmaster Junker Test Benches Morten Schiff describes Vibrationmaster, which was formed in 2010, as “a company born out of inspiration and a powerful desire to offer peace of mind and add value by lifting mechanical

vibration testing standards to new levels”. Vibrationmaster’s Junker Test Benches are currently the only machines capable of testing from 5mm (0.2 inch) to 24mm (1 inch) in all fastener classes including Class 12.9. The company currently offers three Junker Test Benches: the portable 100, compact 400 and the 600. Of the three machines, Morten Schiff says the Junker 600 is perhaps of most interest to Fastener + Fixing readers and boasts some eye-catching features: • 100% accurate amplitude – the Closed Loop System continuously measures the actual amplitude and adjusts it to what the user specified during operation. • No need to change load cells or calibration – one load cell tests all fastener sizes from 5mm to 24mm. • Severe quality testing of bolt and nut material – using rapid 0mm to 4mm peak-to-peak adjustable amplitude during operation.

Vibrationmaster and the Bill Eccles connection At the heart of Vibrationmaster’s innovative technology is the revolutionary Variator, invented by the brilliant Danish engineer Jesper Boesen Nielsen in 1988. After he’d invented the Variator and was excitedly searching around for potential applications, Jesper got in touch with Bill Eccles. Bill explains what happened next: “After Jesper told me what the Variator was capable of, we saw that it could be applied to vibration testing and to creating a truly effective Junker Test machine because there was a gap in the market for this type of machine. But, although I would definitely say anyone needing to test their fasteners for self-loosening to DIN standards or for their own peace of mind should find out more about Vibrationmaster’s Junker Test benches, my own recent research suggests that development of the machine is needed so it can impart axial as well transverse loading to allow the truly effective testing of certain locking mechanisms. Knowing what I do about Vibrationmaster, I’m sure the company is looking at how to make this a reality.” “It certainly is,” concludes Morten Schiff. Vibrationmaster is grateful to Dr Bill Eccles of Bolt Science, especially for permission to refer to his article ‘The Loosening Of Prevailing Torque Nuts’, published in Fastener + Fixing Issue 60 November 2009. Visit boltscience.com for extensive information on bolted joints as well as how to contact Bill Eccles.

110 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

INNOVATION

DELTAÂŽ protects surfaces.

While you are reading this, we are still working on new technologies. The most important thing in any company is the people who work there. And that is particularly true in our case. Because it is purely down to our colleagues, their know-how, their commitment, their expertise and their passion, that we are able to offer the world what it expects of us: innovation in zinc plating technology and now in electroplating systems too. Thatâ€™s what we work 365 days a year for. Even while you are reading this. More info at www.doerken-mks.com

Messe Hannover oth H29 Hall 6, Bo ooth F11 Hall 27, B

m a n u fa ct u r i n g t e c h n o lo g y

New developments in heat treating equipment

Tim Donofrio, product manager, standard and aluminium equipment, CAN-ENG Furnaces International Ltd The heat treating of high volume, mass produced high integrity threaded fasteners has been an environment where market demands for product quality standards, delivery and costs have grown exponentially over the last decade. Adages or expressions like “lighter– stronger-faster”, “value added services” and “doing more for less” are all common within the walls of high-volume fastener manufacturing facilities.

hese pressures have forced manufactures to seek out new and creative methods for improving their competitive position. One area where there has been significant improvements made and new developments commercialised is with the systems used to heat treat these often “safety critical” threaded fasteners.

Background The methods for heat treating threaded fasteners have evolved significantly over the years. Ferrous threaded fasteners were once processed in systems that evolved to include small capacity shaker hearth and rotary retort systems. As production capacity and size range flexibility became more important, manufacturers gravitated towards high capacity continuous belt style furnaces. Today these same manufacturers routinely choose continuous mesh belt heat treating systems for the many benefits they offer. In addition to ferrous fasteners it would be remiss if I did not touch on non-ferrous (aluminium) fastener processing, whose

volumes have continue to grow as a result of new automotive powertrain and magnesium component developments. Their exacting quality and volume requirements were traditionally well managed using straight forward batch heat treatment systems. However, because of the continued growth in automotive applications these aluminium fasteners are now more commonly processed using higher volume continuous belt heat treatment systems. Given the processes used to heat treat vary widely between ferrous and non-ferrous (aluminium) fasteners this article will focus on the new heat treatment system developments associated with the processing of ferrous fasteners.

Today’s environment Today most high volume manufacturers of fasteners utilise fully integrated continuous heat treatment systems. These systems are highly automated systems requiring minimal operator involvement following the bulk loading of dunnage containers to the entry of the system. CAN-ENG Furnaces International has led in the movement to further improve these heat treating systems in an effort to not only meet the quality standards required by customers but to also improve upon their operating efficiency, which in turn improves their competitive advantage.

Improvements in manufacturing processes Reducing part damage during processing As part of CAN-ENG’s continuous improvement initiatives, it has focused on integrating mesh belt conveying technology

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utilising a wire woven belt for each individual customer’s needs and process requirements. The integration of CAN-ENG’s “SOFT HANDLING” systems and part transition know-how have significantly reduced part nicking that would in most cases require re-threading of fasteners. In addition, fasteners are loaded externally to the austenitising and tempering furnaces. This reduces the empty gaps deposited on the belt for proper lot separation improving the operating efficiency of the system.

Increasing heating efficiency and reducing NOx levels Improvements in natural gas heating systems include the integration of newly developed self-recuperated burners that provide similar heating efficiency to that of the high cost regenerative burners. Environmentally, these new regenerative burners when coupled with a newly designed radiant heating tube can reduce the NOx levels by 50% over that of conventional recuperative burners.

Waste heat recovery Further improvements in protective atmosphere consumption and waste heat recovery has been a focus for CAN-ENG. Much like the natural gas it uses to heat furnaces CAN-ENG also utilises natural gas to manufacture the endothermic gas to protect the fasteners from decarburisation. Recently, CAN-ENG has developed and integrated its Energy Reduction System (ERS) to include an atmosphere reduction system, which reduces endothermic gas requirements by 40%, and a waste heat recovery system which reduces overall natural gas consumption by 15% compared to conventional systems.

global fur nace systems group

Dephosphating enhancements CAN-ENG has improved upon the options available to fastener manufacturers when dephosphating is required. This has been accomplished through the in-line integration of mesh belt dephosphating equipment with the heat treatment system. This new developed option eliminates the need for off-line rotary systems currently in use by most manufactures today.

Control system integration Developments in area of process controls has been a significant area of improvement for CAN-ENG. The integration of a Level 2 SCADA systems into its manufacturing processes enables manufacturers to monitor, control and update in real time. Functions like basic time temperature data acquisition capabilities, off-site process monitoring and control, system diagnostics, inventory control, preventative maintenance and system efficiency tracking can be included in a SCADA system, resulting in significant gains in quality, inputs and outputs. CAN-ENG’s continuous mesh belt furnace systems have earned an international reputation for the following: • Continuous production which delivers superior part quality. • Specific design features to minimise possibility of foreign material. • Proven field reliability and maximum up-time performance. • Soft handling design features to minimise part damage. • Maximum fuel efficiency through innovative design and energy recuperation. • Fully automated systems with complete SCADA capabilities. • Neutral and case hardening capabilities. • Standard production capabilities from 100kg/hr to 3,400kg/hr.

a p p l i c at i o n t e c h n o lo g y

Keeping the noise down 3M has highlighted the role that can be played by specialist sound damping tapes in reducing noise from vibration in industrial environments.

achinery vibration is a significant source of noise, and legislation requires employers to take all possible action to reduce the amount of noise below clearly defined legal thresholds as part of engineering controls before the use of personal protective equipment is considered. 3M believes that modern aluminium foil sound damping tapes can help towards meeting the increasing demand for noise reduction on equipment such as compressors, HVAC and production machinery. Furthermore, by decreasing vibration, they can also help reduce wear on equipment. 3M Vibration Damping Tapes are pressure-sensitive and the linered construction of the product allows it to be die cut, maximising ease of application. Gareth Evans, technical service specialist for 3M’s industrial adhesives & tapes division, commented: “Modern sound damping tapes are highly effective in reducing vibration and therefore noise. They also help eliminate fatigue cracks due to skin or panel vibration. They were originally developed for highly demanding applications in sectors such as aerospace, meaning they are able to operate effectively in extremes of temperature and in the presence of chemicals such as solvents and hydraulic fluids.” He adds: “Where a very significant reduction in vibration – and therefore noise - is required, the tape can be applied in multiple layers for enhanced damping.”

ITW Plexus in the frame Casalini, the Italian light vehicle manufacturer is now using a special methacrylate adhesive from ITW Plexus to bond a steel reinforcing frame to the GRP cabin interiors of its new M10 micro car, Kerry MPV and Pickup truck.

his was a new bonding application for the 73 year old company and it presented Plexus with a tough list of requirements. High strength was necessary but with good flexibility. The adhesive also needed to have excellent fatigue resistance as well as the ability to withstand stress. Casalini also wanted to minimise processing times which meant they needed an adhesive with shorter working and fixture times, as well as one capable of bonding substrates with little or no surface preparation. Finally the adhesive had to present no health and safety issues. Plexus rose to the challenge and after in-depth discussions and meetings on site with the client, put forward a special methacrylate adhesive MA 422. Tests both in the laboratory and in the customer’s process confirmed that the adhesive met all these rigorous requirements. The adhesive

is now supplied to Casalini in cartridges and is machine-applied to the cabin wall. The frame is then positioned in place and held there while the adhesive - which has excellent gap-filling properties - rapidly sets, giving increased strength and safety to the cabin. Casalini’s production manager Mr Fermi explained: “Originally we were using a two component PU adhesive but after talking with Plexus and its local distributor Vaber we learned that MA 422 methacrylate adhesive would work much faster for us, increasing throughput and reducing our manufacturing costs. Our material costs were also reduced by using an adhesive dispenser. The technical advice and assistance given to us by both Plexus and Vaber throughout the production trials and since that time has been exceptional.”

DIRAK introduces Concealed Hinge DIRAK has expanded its line of hinges to include the 4-393 Concealed Hinge Pr02 120º designed specifically for nested door applications.

he 4-393 Concealed Hinge Pr02 120º does not require installation hardware for mounting. A simple clipin process requires only one hole cut-out in the door and one hole cut-out in the frame through which the hinge slides for a secure fit. DIRAK points out that the cabinet door can be easily removed by pulling on one of the internal, springloaded, retractable pins. The door is then easily lifted off the frame for access into the cabinet. Since there is no need for mounting hardware there is no concern for loose or missing hardware when the door is unhinged. To reattach the door the user simply needs to pull on the retractable pin, place the second hinge pin in the hole cut-out in the frame, slide the door in place and release the pin. The door is then properly mounted. When the door is closed, the hinge is completely concealed within the interior of the cabinet application providing a clean external appearance. The 120° opening angle allows for easy access to the interior of the application. “The 4-393 Concealed Hinge Pr02 120º is compact and ideal for applications where space is limited. It can be used on both left and right hand door applications. This results in lower inventory (reducing the number of parts needed), reduced production complexity, and less chance of installation errors, which often lead to costly mistakes.”

114 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

a p p l i c at i o n TECHNOLOGY

Vergnet incorporates RotaBolt tension control Vergnet is now fitting Rotabolt® tension control technology on its unique GEV HP wind turbines. The company is using RotaBolt fasteners on the main structural joint where the two halves of the turbine nacelle are joined.

ergnet’s design allows the main turbine to be quickly disassembled into two halves so that the upwind nacelle section, complete with rotors, can be lowered to the ground and easily secured. This can be either as a protective measure in extreme weather conditions, or for much quicker service and maintenance. Each turbine uses thirty M90 RotaBolts on the main nacelle structural joint. The fasteners assure the integrity of this critical joint because they achieve and accurately maintain the correct joint tension through the precise measurement technology built into each bolt. Traditional tightening practices using a standard bolt only measure the force that is being applied to tighten the bolt. The clamping force, or tension across the bolted joint, is completely unmeasured and unknown and yet it is critical to its reliability. In addition to achieving joint integrity, the RotaBolt fasteners can be instantly finger-tip checked to see if any tension has been lost at all. The RotaCap on the head of each bolt locks-off at the correct design tension and as soon as any tension is lost, it spins freely, making it quick and easy to check. Rotabolt points out that this not only dramatically speeds up the assembly process, but also makes routine maintenance much more cost effective.

Promoting ‘green’ operations The PEMSERTER® Series 3000™ automatic fastenerinstallation press system introduces ‘green’ technology by performing without hydraulics to install all types of self-clinching fasteners rapidly, accurately, and permanently in thin-metal sheets.

t the heart of this environmentally friendly press is a custombuilt, full servo controlled, electro-mechanical actuator which PennEngineering says delivers measurable efficiencies and economies compared with conventional technologies. The Series 3000™ press system is additionally sealed and lubricated for life to eliminate environmental issues and minimise maintenance and associated costs. Other key press features highlighted by PennEngineering include the dual axis actuator which allows for ram speed optimisation, high pressing forces, and dramatically reduced energy usage; a proprietary clutch system provides smooth, energy-efficient transition between servo axes; roller screw technology enables the press to carry larger loads at higher speeds; and regenerative/dynamic braking captures inertial energy and applies it to deceleration for a reduction in external energy requirements. The Series 3000™ press is engineered for user-friendly operation. After initial PC setup, all run logic is maintained in solid-state servo controller memory. Multiple types of self-clinching fasteners can be installed automatically without any need for tooling changeovers. The Series 3000™ press is designed with a 24 inch/61cm throat depth, can realise a ram force up to 16,000lbs/71.2kN, and can be operated remotely through networking. The press is CE certified to comply with applicable European standards.

116 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

COMPRESSION LIMITER® The cost effective solution.

Protecting plastic against excessive forces. Easily installed.

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When it comes to holding your business together, Earnest Machine knows not all fasteners are created equal. Earnest Machine is a leader in the fastener industry with a commitment to supplying high quality, high strength fasteners. Our knowledgeable sales staff is backed by in-house engineering and laboratory testing support.

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a p p l i c at i o n t e c h n o lo g y

Nord-Lock secures Ginaf trucks in the Dakar The world’s most legendary and demanding rally, Dakar, took place in South America in January 2011. The race crosses Chile and Argentina, covering the most varying terrain imaginable. In order to understand how challenging the competition is, one must realise that even reaching the finishing line is a vast accomplishment.

eams compete for 15 days, which puts an enormous strain on both the team as well as the equipment. Ginaf Rally Power competed with two trucks in the 2011 edition of Dakar. Almost every component on the vehicles was especially built or reinforced. Not many standard parts can match these requirements. Since Nord-Lock Benelux B.V. first met Ginaf the relationship has not only developed into a sponsorship but also improvements of bolted connections on the Ginaf trucks. With Nord-Lock products, the Ginaf team had the competitive advantage of not having to check or retighten critical bolted connections at night. This shortens the everyday maintenance routines and allowed for more sleep for the team.

Drive shaft

The drive shaft of a truck is exposed to high dynamic loads and vibrations when driving across rough terrain. Broken and lose bolts is a common consequence if the bolts are not secured. Ginaf use Nord-Lock washers to secure the bolted connections on their drive shafts and thereby make them more reliable.

A selection of Nord-Lock applications on the Ginaf trucks Chassis mount In between race stages the team serviced and fixed any failures or damages that the vehicle had suffered. Time was short and not having to check bolt connections allowed the team more time to focus on other essential parts. In addition, mountings to the chassis are particularly hard to reach. On the Ginaf chassis, Nord-Lock secures: • Steering box mounting. • Engine mountings. • Bearing blocks. • Differential box front and rear chassis mounting. • Drive shaft bracket. • Cross chassis beam.

Drive shaft connection Wheel nuts

During the race, flat tires are common and then the entire wheel needs to be exchanged. Nord-Lock wheel nuts are reusable, re-mounting is quick, and even under stress the wedge-locking function is ensured and prevents the nut from rotating loose.

Steering box mounted to the chassis 118 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Nord-Lock on the inner rim of the wheel

Our roads are full of danger Now there is a simple way to make them safer

Nord-Lock introduces a simple and cost effective way to eliminate unintentional loosening of wheel nuts for heavy on- and off road vehicles. The new Nord-Lock wheel nut safely secures wheels by maintaining a high clamp force even under severe operating conditions. Once tightened, the Nord-Lock wheel nut cannot loosen by itself. It is based on our proven wedge-locking technology, which has been used worldwide for over 25 years in millions of bolted applications exposed to strong vibrations and high dynamic loads.

NORD-LOCK International AB Radmansgatan 10, 211 46 Malmo, Sweden Tel: +46 40 100 390, Fax: +46 40 240 851, Email: info@nord-lock.com

The product has been thoroughly tested and offers outstanding performance compared with conventional wheel nuts*. Tested and approved by TĂœV. The Nord-Lock wheel nut suits standard flat-faced steel rims, M22x1.5 studs and is easy to install. Safe wheels save lives Find out more at www.safe-wheels.com * Independent comparative testing of different wheel nuts was performed in 2009 by IMA, a leading material testing and research institute in Germany. More information available through www.safe-wheels.com.

a p p l i c at i o n TECHNOLOGY

Pushing the limits with instant adhesives

Instant adhesives are characterised by their ability to create high-strength bonds with very good aging resistance, even in the smallest gaps. However, choosing the right product is essential to get the best results, which is why Loctite offers its users a broad range of industry-proven cyanoacrylates.

hilst multipurpose products already deliver very good results for bonding a variety of different material combinations, specialty products have additional specifically engineered characteristics which considerably extend the spectrum of possible applications. Powerful solutions are available even for difficult-to-bond plastics such as PP, PE, POM, PTFE or silicones. Loctite points out that each of its different product categories has been optimised as appropriate for the applications involved. For example, the elastomer-modified cyanoacrylates from Loctite offer good impact and shock resistance and are therefore used to bond loudspeaker parts, the housings for rechargeable batteries in power drills, or similar applications. Flexible products, on the other hand, can reliably withstand repeated twisting or bending of the bonded materials and are therefore suitable for bonding the plastic sheaths on the metal temples of flexible-frame sunglasses or for attaching rubber profiles to refrigerator doors made of painted metal. For transparent parts requiring very good optical performance,

light-curing cyanoacrylates will be the best choice. These adhesives cure within seconds when exposed to UV or visible light. And they remain clear and transparent after curing. The scope of applications in industrial manufacturing processes has been broadened by the recent addition of the first gap-filling cyanoacrylate Loctite 3090. “Since conventional cyanoacrylates mostly have very low viscosity, they were only used to join close-fitting parts. This was a drawback that severely restricted their range of uses. With Loctite 3090, Henkel has vastly broadened the application range of instant adhesives, offering an unmatched capability to fill gaps up to 5mm wide. The new instant adhesive is suitable for almost all materials, including metals, most plastics, rubber and ceramics. Even porous substrates such as wood, paper and cork can be reliably bonded with it.”

Brass versus stainless steel Spirol Industries Ltd, based in Corby, Northamptonshire, manufactures all of its standard inserts from brass. Below it explains the benefits of using brass for inserts compared to other materials.

he thermal characteristic of brass enables the inserts to heat up and cool down quickly during the installation process into moulded plastic parts. For those inserts that are installed with heat or ultrasonics, the fact that the brass insert heats up quickly translates into faster installation time. From a quality perspective, the fact that brass cools quickly means that immediately after the heat is removed from the insert the plastic will start to coagulate which will secure the insert in position and prevent it from “floating” within the hole. Compare this to a steel insert that takes significantly more time to heat up - the time it takes to melt the plastic and the total installation time is longer. When it comes to machining, brass is much easier to cut than most ferrous materials. Whereas brass and stainless steel generally cost about the same per pound as a raw material, it’s the significant increase in manufacturing time for stainless steel that drives up costs. Though brass is an excellent choice for most components, there are instances where stainless steel may be required. For example, brass and stainless steel are both corrosion resistant, yet each will react differently to various corrosive agents. Brass is an excellent material for use in most industrial and agricultural applications and typically offers the lowest cost solution. It offers much better thermal conductivity than carbon or austenitic stainless steel and is much more efficient material to machine than stainless steel. Many varieties of stainless steel are available, although 300

series, or austenitic stainless steel, is most comparable to brass in terms of those insert applications where stainless is commonly used. It is critical to understand that the properties of stainless steel vary dramatically from one alloy or family to the next, and it is difficult to make general statements regarding performance. Stainless steel is more difficult to machine than brass and cycle times are much longer which increases cost significantly. Tool life is also severely limited which further increases cost. Austenitic stainless steel provides higher service temperatures than brass. However, it is important to note that the service temperature of the assembly is usually limited by the heat deflection temperature of the plastic host.

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a p p l i c at i o n T E C H NOLO G Y

Southco plugs the leaks When seeking to increase the energy and operational efficiencies of its HVAC enclosures by eliminating air leakage through the latching systems, air conditioning equipment manufacturer Air Handling Systems Ltd (AHS) looked to Southco to provide the solution.

hen AHS pressure tested its air handling units, it found that the major cause of air leakage was via the sealing of the enclosure doors. Primarily, this was because the latches available at the time failed to properly engage and provide sufficient compression to seal the gasket on the thick door of the cabinets. Wes Campbell, technical director at AHS, explained: “We approached Southco who offered the perfect solution through modifying its standard E3 Vise Action compression latch and having additional thread for allowing the engagement of the nut at the rear of the latch, thereby accommodating tight compression for up to 50mm thick doors.” Ulrike Sturman of Southco explains: “The Vise Action design of Southco’s E3 latch series has proved itself in millions of installations where vibration, sealing and quality are paramount. Its smooth operation aligns the pawl behind the frame and draws it up tight with a single continuous half-turn motion. Its compression action provides consistent 6.4 mm (0.25 inch) pull-up for environmental sealing in gasketed applications, and helps reduce or eliminate noise and rattles caused by vibration. Over-centre latching resists accidental opening due to shock or vibration.” Whilst the industry standard is Leakage Class B 1000 Pascal, AHS equipment achieves Leakage Class C 1500 Pascal as a minimum. However, for some applications, it has reached Leakage Class D 2500 Pascal. Subject to the same rigid test conditions, the Southco E3 compression latch has successfully passed this same Class D rating.

Blind fastener solution High speed blind fastening technology has been adapted to meet the critical strength and contamination-free assembly requirements of an innovative lightweight solar panel.

onstruction of the solar collector frame requires the secure fixing of an outer frame from one side only, without pre-punching or drilling to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the main frame. Additionally the fastening technique has to work in combination with a silicone adhesive sealant and avoid any risk of contamination. Working in partnership with energy efficient water heating systems manufacturer Clage GmbH, of Lüneburg, Germany, international fastening and assembly technology specialist Böllhoff, tailored its RIVTAC® joining system to meet these specific production requirements. The flat plate solar energy collector delivers very high energy yields - in excess of 80% - and weighs only 32.5kg due to its lightweight geometry and materials. An aluminium frame is

added as a final step in the manufacturing process to optimise strength and protect the solar cells and service connections. This is securely fastened at each corner with two RIVTAC® fasteners. To minimise application cycle time the tacks are applied using Böllhoff’s portable high speed pneumatic hand tool which has a cycle time of less than one second. The tack is presented to the components to be joined at high speed and penetrates both materials causing a short-term rise in temperature in the joining zone which improves flow. The materials being joined are displaced into the straight knurling on the tack shaft and achieve a fine tolerance fit. Jakob Meier, project manager at Clage GmbH, said the RIVTAC® technology “significantly shorted the realisation time of the project.”

Huntsman helps build urban electric car Huntsman Advanced Materials has announced its technical involvement in an innovative project that showcases the possibilities of building a concept electric car – the ‘U-Box’ – using environmentally sustainable components.

he ‘U-Box’ has been designed and produced by French design company D3. While using advanced materials from its Araldite branded portfolio, Huntsman also researched and developed innovative, sustainable products for each stage of the car’s construction. This included the preparation of moulds using seamless modelling pastes and boards. It also involved new concepts for developing different automotive components using stereolithography and rapid manufacturing resins, as well as the use of encapsulation solutions for the car’s electronic components. The broad application of high performance composites was a significant factor in increasing the performance and exclusivity of the vehicle’s design. As such, differentiated materials including renewable flax and basalt fibres for reinforcing composite parts have been used in combination with toughened resins as well as halogen free, fire resistant resin and flexible composite. The ‘U-Box’ also benefits from a new resin range that can be

used in fast cycle, resin transfer molding (RTM) for high volume, automotive and mass transportation parts production. High performance, state-of-the-art thin barrier coatings developed by Huntsman provide protection for the flexible Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), which have been integrated in the car’s composite structure, Huntsman point out that these paper thin, lightweight devices consume up to 70% less energy compared with conventional light sources. During assembly, Huntsman also provided several composite bonders offering high strength, high flexibility or high temperature resistance. In addition to this, Huntsman, supported by NRG Wheels Ltd, equipped the vehicle with composite wheels. As a production model, the ‘U-Box’ could be used as an industrial site vehicle or for park and ride hospitality services at events. Its two pallet capacity could also support short distance deliveries in inner cities.

122 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

a p p l i c at i o n t e c h n o lo gy

A guide to modern adhesives Chris Hall, advanced technologist, industrial adhesives & tapes division, 3M United Kingdom plc As materials technology continues to evolve, so the requirements on adhesives to effectively bond surfaces of different materials change too. Continued research and development and investment in state-of-the-art adhesive technologies by the leading industry players worldwide mean specifiers can today choose from a vast range of adhesive products each with its own specific features and benefits.

he most commonly used liquid or paste adhesives in industry are formed from either reactive polyurethane (PUR), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), two-part epoxy, hot melt, acrylic or two-part polyurethane. All are suited to differing applications based on characteristics including their physical properties (and those of substrates), working times, ease and method of application, environmental credentials, heat resistance and the eventual destination and use of the finished bonded product.

Cost-effective sealing with PVA

Polyurethane – flexible and versatile Reactive polyurethane adhesives are suitable for a wide variety of applications including wood, plastic and window frame bonding, including bonding muntin bars into glass. They are also widely used in industries including marine and automotive. They tend to be single-part systems – meaning no mixing is required - and are generally very flexible, typically being able to extend up to several times their original length. This, and the high viscosity of many polyurethane products, makes them ideal for gap filling, and use on bumpy and uneven surfaces such as wood. Depending on the product, polyurethane adhesives can withstand more than 20MPa in shear, with strength build-up usually faster than other adhesive types. The strength and durability of polyurethane adhesives extends to their performance under vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, impact and flexing. When using polyurethane, process steps can often be reduced as there is no need for sanding or damping, reducing time and cost. Hard woods such as maple or Brazilian Ipe can be challenging to work with but moisture-curing polyurethane adhesives are well-suited to these substrates. Polyurethane products are also a good solution in existing applications where blooming or stress cracking is an issue. Polyurethane products do have their limitations, however. Some of the stronger single part systems may require heat for application - although some water-activated polyurethane products do exist, these are designed for large, uniform areas such as laminates, with close tolerances. Reactive polyurethane adhesives that use moisture to initiate and progress the cure also tend to be unsuitable for bonding in situations where both substrates are metal, for example. Although the initial cure can be a quick process we often find that full cure takes a lot longer. With polyurethane sealants this can mean that the adhesive core can remain weak for an extended period of time, or that the adhesive may be affected by high humidity before full cure. The cure mechanisms used in reactive polyurethanes may also have their own issues regarding health and safety during application and curing.

Where lower shear strength is required, or tighter substrate tolerances can be guaranteed, a PVA product may be a suitable option. PVA products are cost-effective and highly versatile – when applied, they will either remain as PVA or ‘cross-link’ with the molecules in the substrate to form the bond. Applicable via brush, roller or spray, PVA products do not typically require heat, but usually will not reach handling strength rapidly, requiring anything from 30 minutes to 24 hours, with full bond taking even longer. This means that substrates will often need to be clamped together. PVA products offer limited durability against moisture – though some external durability can be achieved, few reach the universally recognised D4 standard for adhesives. PVA is also widely used as a primer or sealer in conjunction with other adhesive systems.

Two parts providing strength and performance At the other end of the scale, where a guaranteed highstrength bond is required, two-part epoxy products are the most widely used adhesives. Two-part epoxies have been used since the 1930s in applications such as aerospace, and offer a good bond for most substrate types. Many of them are structural adhesives – designed to form part of a load-bearing structure with high shear strength. A wide range of performance characteristics are available – some products are more closely related to sealants in their behaviour, while others are designed for optimum performance on modern

124 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

ONE OF THE BIGGEST MANUFACTURERS OF BLIND RIVET NUTS IN ASIA We have more than 1,000 styles in stock and our production capacity is 5 billion pieces. We can produce blind rivet nuts in steel, stainless steel, aluminum and brass. We also produce lots of non-standards based on customers drawings and samples.

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a p p l i c at i o n t e c h n o lo gy aircraft and Formula 1 cars. Flexibility, toughness, fluidity and thixotropic qualities can all be varied according to customer specification and need. Two-part epoxy products lend themselves well to bonding metal, wood and low surface energy plastics, although surfaces must always be thoroughly cleaned and dried before application. Open time – the window of time available to bring the surfaces together can vary between 30 seconds and several hours. Full cure times can be anything between one and three days, but some rapid products have a ‘time to handling’ as short as three minutes, although once again a few hours is more common. This can be a disadvantage in high throughput applications, particularly given the typically higher costs of two-part epoxy adhesives compared with PVA. Required surface preparation can also be an issue – many substrates will require abrasion or priming to ensure they are sufficiently receptive to the adhesive and that the required strength, performance and durability will be achieved. However, some two-part epoxy products are oil-compatible, meaning they can be applied to oily surfaces as long as the type and nature of the oil has been identified and adequate testing has taken place. Where lower shear performance is acceptable an effective alternative may be two-part polyurethane products, which can be re-combined using a static mixer, by hand or with automated processes. These products generally offer excellent flexibility and impact performance and reach handling strength very rapidly compared with epoxy products (although time to full cure may approach 30 days). They can be ideal for bonding to powder coated products, and can offer good durability and nonsag capability. Care should be taken when bonding to metal substrates with polyurethanes, however, as priming or complex surface preparation is likely to be required.

almost all substrates, minimal surface preparation is usually required. Hot melt products are dispensed through a heating gun, requiring a pneumatic supply, with a typical application temperature of around 180ºC, although ‘low melt’ products exist which are applied at around 120ºC. The costs of heating and energy must be factored into the overall specification costs.

Steps to specification Whatever the application, a few simple steps should be followed in specification. The product most appropriate to the job should always be selected, remembering that too strong an adhesive can create almost as many problems as one that is not strong enough. Overspecification is also likely to add considerably to cost. The characteristics and requirements of the substrates to be bonded will always play a key role in the specification decision. When calculating cost, the specifier should always look well beyond the purchase price of the adhesive and also factor in the costs of additional surface preparation, cleaning, operator training, adhesive heating and energy requirements, and any necessary PPE. PPE will be needed if epoxy, polyurethane or acrylic adhesives are specified. Consideration must also be given to the required production throughput – and so the time to handling strength and to full cure of potential adhesive solutions - and how soon each component will need to undergo further processing after application of the adhesive. Consulting an adhesive specialist, who can advise on the correct product and how to get the best out of it, from the early design stages, will help ensure optimum product selection and ultimately the effectiveness of the process.

Meeting the most demanding bonding criteria For highly demanding applications requiring a structural strength bond, acrylic adhesives deliver a rapid result at reasonable cost. Acrylic adhesives are structural in performance and reach handling strength very quickly, typically in less than an hour. Full cure usually happens within 24 hours. They also require less surface preparation than epoxy products, may cope well with oily surfaces, and need minimal mixing. While most are two-part products that require mixing, acrylic ‘bead on bead’ products also exist with each part applied to the substrates, which are then pushed together. Acrylics are ideal for metals, plastic and composite substrates, while highly modified products are available for low surface energy plastics. Acrylic products typically emit a strong and unpleasant odour (though some low odour products are now available), while the lower cost compared with epoxy adhesives is reflected in their lower flexibility compared with these alternatives. Where the requirement is more for fixing than for bonding, hot melt adhesives offer a versatile and cost-effective solution. Generally designed for non-critical and temporary fixing applications, hot melt products are non-curing systems which generally reach handling strength quickly after being dispensed. Suitable for

126 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

About 3M 3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Its culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. The US$27 billion diversified technology company has, since 1902, been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch®, Post-it®, Scotchgard™, Thinsulate™ and Scotch-Brite™. 3M employs some 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing more than 3,500 people across 19 locations, including 10 manufacturing sites.

m a n a geme n t + sys t ems

Markers made easy! Making cost-effective custom cable markers and component labels, whether working in a factory, in an office or even on-site, is a fast and simple task with the new MK8 ProMark Pro USB, says marking and labelling expert Partex.

he printer uses a thermal transfer printing process, combined with advanced ribbons, to produce legends that are both easy to read and durable. It is compatible with a huge variety of Partex media. These include standard marker profiles, heatshrink tubes, flat profile sleeves, self-adhesive profiles, and adhesive tape for the wrap-around labels now popular for use on data cables. A QWERTY keyboard is provided to allow rapid entry of legend information and up to 15,000 characters can be stored in the printer’s internal memory for subsequent re-use. This means, for example, that all of the markers used by a particular type of control panel could be stored and printed with a few simple keystrokes whenever they were required. As well as standard alphanumeric characters, the printer has a library of common symbols, such as Ω, the ground symbol,

and mm2. Legend data can also be downloaded from a PC via the printer’s integral high-speed USB interface and, when this is done, its printing capabilities are extended to include custom symbols, small diagrams and even pictures. A high print speed of up to 25mm per second makes the MK8 ProMark Pro USB ideal for use even for large jobs, while the built-in automatic cutter means that the labels it produces are convenient and easy to work with. Among the accessories available to further increase the versatility of the Partex MK8 ProMark Pro USB are; a profile heater that facilitates use in cold environments, an automatic profile feeder, and a tough aluminium carrying case that has been designed to allow the printer to be used while it is still in the case, making it ideal for site working.

Apriso reports software revenue growth Apriso, a provider of software solutions, has announced that total revenues for 2010 set a new company record, led by software revenue growth of 62% on a year-over-year basis.

s the fifth consecutive year of total revenue growth, 2010’s record growth was achieved by expanding license revenues from existing manufacturing execution system deployments and by adding 17 new customers. Growth occurred in the Americas, European and Asia Pacific regions, with the America’s expansion the most pronounced. New customers were acquired in the automotive, aerospace & defense, cleantech, industrial & heavy equipment, consumer goods, packaging and medical device industries. “Apriso’s customers continue to extract even greater value from their FlexNet deployments, which is driving more demand for our software – manufacturing operations are now a ‘top of mind’ issue for both IT and operations executives. Our 2010 growth reflects this focus,” explained Jim Henderson, president and CEO of Apriso. “We are entering 2011 with a strong backlog of active customer and prospect engagements and anticipate continued future growth across all our targeted regions and industries.”

Infor offers S&OP solution Infor, a provider of business application software serving more than 70,000 customers, has announced the general availability of Infor Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) version 1.0.

nfor S&OP is an entirely new solution, purpose-built by Infor for the unique needs of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. Infor highlights that the solution provides unprecedented capabilities for creating, managing and using electronic workflows that address every major stage in the S&OP process, allowing global teams to gain consensus and make higher-confidence decisions faster. Infor also says that it is the first dedicated S&OP solution to integrate extensive “what if” scenario building tools directly into decision-making workflows. This allows teams to model potential changes based on up-to-date demand data, choose the action that results in the highest potential increase in revenue

or margin, then finalise and populate the changes automatically across the global supply chain. “For decades manufacturers have struggled with how to best align operations with demand, and today that challenge is greater than ever,” said Bruce Richardson, chief strategy officer, Infor. “What is needed is an entirely new way of thinking and acting on the problem. The true solution must align manufacturing, sales, finance and operations around the most profitable and achievable build plan. That is what we mean by the ‘New Generation of S&OP’ and that is what Infor is delivering for our customers today.”

128 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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m a n a geme n t + sys t ems

Access launches web services API Access, the mid-market consulting, software and solutions provider, has launched its new web services Application Programming Interface (API). This offering enables the business and accounting solution, Access Dimensions, to be tightly integrated with popular cloud computing applications.

tuart Allsopp, development director for Access, commented: “Access’ web services extends our current Dimensions API set, which allows our flagship solution to be easily integrated with other on-premise thirdparty applications. This is something that we’ve been doing successfully for a number of years so web services is the logical next step – particularly as we recently announced that we would be launching a number of cloud offerings this year.” In the first quarter of 2011, Access will release a cloud-based document management solution. This will be closely followed by an HR system which also operates in the cloud. “By enabling Access Dimensions to be easily integrated into

cloud-based applications, we can offer customers more choice and flexibility in how their solutions are delivered,” Stuart continued. “At the same time it also allows them to capitalise on the software investments they’ve already made and introduce cloud applications into the organisation where it makes commercial and operational sense to do so.” Stuart concluded: “Access’ web services API will help encourage business growth and development by integrating disparate systems. By enabling greater visibility of information and access to data in real time, we can help our customers to remain agile and competitive in the years ahead.”

Fasten.it - the fastener business network www.fasten.it is an interactive platform promoting contact among fastener professionals through innovative and helpful tools.

earching for a supplier using fasten.it involves navigation among categories, subcategories and products that represent the whole industry of fasteners and fixing elements. Once the user has chosen a category and product, a list of companies is displayed. Results can be further filtered by selecting just the manufacturers or by selecting a particular country. An important section of the website is ‘e-Procurement’, which Fasten.it describes as a professional tool where requests meet offers. This service allows users to publish enquiries for screws, bolts and fixing systems free of charge. The users can publish the enquiry in three simple steps - entering the inquiry, entering contact details and adding possible attachments (pictures, spreadsheet, pdf.). An easy-to-use tool for buyers, e-Procurement provides suppliers the opportunity to expand their market and find new customers. ‘Surplus Stock’ allows users to find buyers for unsold goods

they have on stock. Thanks to the visibility of Fasten.it among fastener professionals, says Fasten.it, overstocks are available to thousands of potential buyers and the supplier’s business is also indirectly promoted. Anyone interested in these offers can contact advertisers directly and at no cost. ‘Technical data’ is a quick and useful system to check technical data of the products. Suppliers can advertise on Fasten.it using a multilingual professional page, with images, accurate descriptions of the product range and other useful information for potential customers. The page is linked to the product categories that the company offers. When a user searches for a particular product, he will find the suppliers’ contact details. Companies advertising on the site can also send a personalised newsletter through which they can inform all contacts of Fasten.it about news and updates. Through this personalised message industry professionals from all over the world can be reached.

Books we’ve read recently International Trade An essential guide to the principles and practice of export Jonathon Reuvid & Jim Sherlock Kogan Page ISBN: 978-0-7494-6237-6

As the sub title implies this is no casual read but a thorough and comprehensive reference for any business involved in exporting. Although primarily written with the UK business market in mind, it is endorsed by the International Chamber of Commerce and effectively covers universal principles of exporting.

nternational Trade explores the principles and practice of international trade, opening with a description of the structure of the global economy and the dynamics governing world trade before considering the legal environment, including contract and EU competition laws. It explains how to conduct effective market research and develop an export marketing plan. It looks in detail at the export order process, moving onto international transport and customs control. Throughout, International Trade is pragmatic, informative and, perhaps most important in a business area fraught with pitfalls and complexity, succinct and clear. Jonathon Reuvid is an economist and was formerly engaged in investment banking, general management and business development in China. Jim Sherlock, an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Export, is now a full time writer, trainer and consultant in international trade following extensive experience in the UK manufacturing export sector and 20 years as a senior lecturer in Manchester.

130 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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Hunting for cash in the warehouse by Jason Bader, principal The Distribution Team Everyone is talking about lean manufacturing, lean distribution, lean operations and a whole lot of other fancy terms designed to make the person discussing the subject look a whole lot smarter. But doesn’t lean boil down to trimming the fat? I guess it doesn’t sound as MBA when you say it that way.

nother way of looking at the lean concept is something we, at The Distribution Team, have been doing for almost 20 years – hunting for cash. I kind of like the ring of that. Sounds like an adventure. Let’s face it, pouring over operating expenses and looking for areas to cut isn’t going to get the troops excited. So let’s put on the pith helmet, sling a rifle over our shoulder and drop a little lead in those cash eating critters running all over your company. The inventory in the warehouse is a great place to start looking for cash. Over the course of this article, I will throw out a few ways to find money through some really simple reporting. Also over the course of this article, don’t be surprised if you find yourself muttering, “Has this guy been sneaking around our place?”

Reduce the number of shelves When we get a new warehouse, the first thing we want to do is load it with shelves. More shelves means more stuff, right? Distributors love to see a lot of stuff on the shelves. That is until someone enlightens them to the cost of carrying inventory; but that’s just for those bean counting folks to worry about. An empty warehouse feels counterintuitive. In a sales dominated Utopia,

“ T he inventory in the warehouse is a great place to start looking for cash.” more stuff means more sales volume. Come on, be honest, how many of your sales people would like to see you get a smaller warehouse? The fact of the matter is that most distributors

carry 25% - 30% more inventory than they need to satisfy their customers at a really high level. The first step is to reduce the number of shelves to fill. This has a two-fold advantage. One, your inventory stocking decision makers are going to have to start looking at product movement from a systems perspective and quit relying on their gut instincts. Two, reducing the number of shelves will open up the working space so that your operating teams can do their jobs right the first time. As distributors, we are really good at getting it right the second time – especially with a customer order; but man, does it kill our bottom line.

Reduce the number of SKUs In order to make the reduction of shelves possible, we are going to need to rid ourselves of some of the beloved stuff. Don’t kid yourself; we get emotionally attached to inventory. This is especially apparent in the relationship between the owner of the company and the greatest thing since sliced bread they brought back from the trade show 3 years ago. Attacking the problem from a non-emotional place begins with your distribution software. Some of you may recall me talking about my favourite inventory management report – the hits report. This report is simply a popularity contest for your SKUs. It asks the question, “how many times did this SKU, regardless of quantity sold, appear on a sales ticket in the last 12 months?” No emotion here. This is just the cold hard truth. From this report, we can determine which items have fallen out of favour with our customer base. If the report shows zero hits in the last year, we may want to question our reasons for keeping it on the shelf. In fact, we might want to take a really hard look at anything with less than four hits in the last year. There may be some good reasons to keep a handful of these SKUs, but “just in case inventory” is not part of a cash hunter’s vocabulary.

Reducing the quantity on hand Once we figure out what stays and what goes, we need to start looking at our quantity on hand. The hits report can help us in this phase of our hunt as well. When I go hunting for cash in a distributorship, I usually find a tonne of opportunity in the slower moving inventory. I often discover that the SKUs in the

132 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

m a n a geme n t + sys t ems bottom half of the hits ranking report are sold fewer than 10 times per year. This usually results in a shaking of the client’s head and a slow, steely glare in the direction of the purchasing manager. After a few tense moments, I remind them of the opportunity. Now we know where to look. In the hits report, the final column is “number of months on hand”. This is where I want us to zero in on. Is there any

“ H unting for cash in your stocking inventory is all about choosing the right tool for the job.” reason we should have more than 12 months of inventory on hand? I can’t think of too many. Remember the golden rule about stocking inventory - more bad things, than good things, happen to anything we bring into stock. The one good thing that happens is we sell it. On the bad side: it leaves the building

ESCAPE WITH ND INDUSTRIES’ COMPETITIVE BULK MICROCAP MATERIALS

• Meets industry specs • Significant cost savings • Customized service Contact us to learn more about our full line of bulk microcap materials. Licenses available.

ND Industries, Clawson, MI USA • Phone: 248-655-2580 Email: products@ndindustries.com • www.ndindustries.com

without documentation, we damage it, we lose it, it becomes obsolete, etc. Think of all the bad things we can do in a year. Use the “months on hand” column to look for stocking levels to lean out. This will generally require a change in your inventory replenishment parameters.

Choosing the right scope Hunting for cash in your stocking inventory is all about choosing the right tool for the job. I am often surprised that more distributors don’t analyse product movement the way I have described. Your distribution software is a very powerful tool. Some of us just stop at the ordering, buying and invoicing functions. There is a whole lot more under the hood. Take some time and learn how to extract the data your system collects on a daily basis. You will be bagging the big game in no time. Good luck with the hunt and please let me know if I can help get you started.

Jason Bader is the managing partner of the The Distribution Team. His firm specialises in helping privately held distributors become more profitable through operating efficiencies. He is a regular speaker at several distribution industry events. He can be reached via email at jason@distributionteam.com or online at www.thedistributionteam.com

Furniture fittings Fasteners technology DIY Systems

Visit us at Hall 8.1 Stand A38

interzum cologne 25. - 28.05.2011

Dreika®-applications technology Direkt-C-parts management

The «art » of connecting – Dresselhaus. Joseph Dresselhaus Befestigungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG Zeppelinstraße 13 • D-32051 Herford Postfach 1464 • D-32004 Herford Tel.: +49 52 21-9 32-0 • Fax: +49 52 21-9 32-4 00 • info@dresselhaus.de • www.dresselhaus.de

F OC U S ON D e c k i n g , W o o d & C o l l at ed

March 2011

Decking, Wood & Collated Screws/Nail Systems This issue’s Focus On is dedicated to Decking, Wood & Collated Screws/Nail Systems. Suppliers of products within this market sector have provided details of their capabilities along with up to date contact and product information.

Coming up in the next issue…

Stainless steel & non-ferrous Contact Claire Lake Tel: +44 (0)1727 739 150 email: claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com Concept Distribution

E.U.R.O. Tec GmbH

Concept is a supplier of – - Collated Drywall / Wood screws - Gas Fired Nails and Nailers - Hand Tools - Li-ion Power Tools - KTX Professional Woodscrews

E.u.r.o.Tec - Hardwood Decking - and Wood Screws are created to offer the professionals most possible benefits which are guaranteed by the main characteristics as: Cut point cutting fibre immediately for easy grip without pilotdrilling. Thread geometry to reduce the screwing time by approx. 40%. A milling thread between thread and shank to reduce screwing torque for stressless and fatigue-proof working. Ribs under the head to avoid splitting and guarantee flush countersinking. Special case hardening to offer a bending angle of more than 40° to follow movement of the wood. Tec-waxing for easy drilling. Available also in outdoor coating resisting more than 1.000 h saltspray. Dimensions: 3.5-10 mmØ, 6, 8 and 10 mmØ also with flanged head (also in hardened stainless).

This year sees interesting developments in the professional woodscrew range and in marketing for their merchant customers. KTX is precision engineered perfection in a screw suitable for all wood types from hardwood to softwood. The range includes - - -

KTX Gold , an internal woodscrew for all woods KTX Silver , an internal woodscrew for all woods but in a silver zinc finish KTX Bronze , an external long life woodscrew salt spray tested beyond 2000 hours and available in a range of sizes from 25mm to 100mm suitable for all woods included treated woods

The company is offering FREE starter packs to new customers, sample bags, marketing materials and special deal packs for end users. To learn more about Concept and their ranges please contact us at: Tel: 0845 6026 230

email: sales@conceptdistribution.co.uk

136 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Hardwood Decking Screws with the same characteristics and available in hardened inox, A4 (acid resistant) or A5 (chlorine resistant) “Terrassotec” screw types with cylindrical head design to pull the hardwood fibre into the drill hole to have a clean surface without supplementary operation. Hidden fastening systems for hardwood deckings in weatherproof composite material for easy fastening without special tooling. A lot of new assembly equipment has been added to the range like f.i. “Big/Small Foot” for decking assembly without concrete foundation. Samples and full details are available by calling us or by visiting our web-site. All screws also as collated screws available Tel: + 49 (0) 2331 6245 140

www.e-u-r-o-tec.de

S c r ews / N a i l Sys t ems Verbindungselemente Engel GmbH

Herbert Knoke GmbH & CO.KG

We are a successful wholesale business of connectors and have been present as a supplier to European industry and commerce for many years.

On the Road to Success with PROFIX®! In order to meet increasing market demands for the performance of chipboard screws, we developed our innovative PROFIX® - RF chipboard screws with the patented Bimate® technology. An innovation from head to toe and with building-authority approval (Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung Z 9.1-723 +Z 9.1-724).

We handle over a thousand million connectors of all kinds every year, holding a full assortment of standard items to customized parts. Over 8,000 pallets in our high rack warehouse in Weingarten accommodate everything our customers need for their daily business.

Die neue

Innovation vom Kopf bis in die Spitze! Ein Antrieb für 3 Durchmesser

22 Unterkopf Fräsrippen

Schaftfräser ab 40 mm Länge

Hoch-TiefGewinde

These screws with FLAT- and WAFER-HEAD are manufactured from special case hardened steel in order offer 45° bending angle.

To make sure that our customers are satisfied we maintain a high quality standard and use our wide experience and sophisticated ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to their benefit. Competence in woodscrews. Chipboard screws are a main focus of our range. Available from stock, whether countersunk, raised countersunk, pan head, zinced yellow or blue, stainless steel, Pozidriv or Tx, with or without ribs, drill point, etc.

Schneidkerbe Typ 17

Die Gleitbeschichtung der Profix®RF® verringert zusätzlich den Einschraubwiderstand. Die Verzinkung ist Chrome 6 frei. Auch in SKT®-Beschichtung. Die SKT®-Beschichtung absobiert die Hitzeentwicklung und verhindert so das Festbrennen in Hartholz und mindert den Einschraubwiderstand (2.000 Std. Salzsprühtest). Bauaufsichtliche Zulassung ist beantragt.

Customers praise the amenities the special applications of these screws: - TX-recess # 25 for ø 4,0, 4,5 and 5,0 - 22 ribs under the head for the fast countersinking into MDF-, solid and hardwood surfaces - Shank-cutter from 40mm length to reduce the screw-in-resistance - BIMATE Technology in the thread, for more screw joints with the same battery life - Cutter pout Type 17 for a optimal screwing without any pre-drilling

Special screws like Jetting, Rapid, Dual, Komprex are also available at short notice.

Available dimensions from stock with FLAT-HEAD 3,0x10 – 6,0x300 in blue-, yellow-zinc plated and with the famous SKT®-coating (staying at least 2000hours salt-spray test).

Please contact us:

Coming soon from stock: ø 8 and 10mm with FLAT- and WAFER-HEAD up-to the length of 400mm.

Tel: +49 (0) 751 407 0

www.schrauben-engel.de

Tel: +49 4102 4783 0

www.herbert-knoke.de

HJZ (Zandvoort Draadindustrie BV)

Litnaglis Nails

We are proud to celebrate our 75th anniversary this year. Founded in 1936, Zandvoort Draadindustrie BV was the first factory of hardened steel nails in Holland. The family company has grown into a modern, international working enterprise which supplies quality products for construction and industries in many countries. The company is a financial healthy private enterprise, where employees give of their best for many years.The method of work is innovative and environmentally friendly. Existing products are improved and new products are regularly developed, in close cooperation with our end-users. We are specialised in manufacturing a wide range of hardened steel nails, Stainless steel nails, brass nails, redcopper nails and aluminium nails. The future is viewed with great confidence.

Joint Stock Company “LitNaglis is one of the first producers of EPAL certified nails in the Baltic States. “LitNaglis” is a member of EPAL organisation and has certificates to produce nails for Euro pallets. We also produce ring, smooth and screw nails from 2.1mm to 4.2mm thickness and from 25mm to 100mm length. We also produce coil nails and sell pneumatic coil nailers. Production is made only using high quality row material with WAFIOS AG machinery. About 90% of our production is exported to West European countries. Our company produces more than 1,500 tons of nails per month. JSC “LitNaglis” is a fast growing company, which has concrete ideas and ambitions in nail manufacturing. We use modern technologies on purpose to offer the best solutions and tender as better as possible service and product quality to the customers. Our success depends on Your success. Every product is produced keeping this rule. JSC LitNaglis is looking for coil nail distributors. Please feel free to contact us if your company has any inquiries.

Tel: +31 (0) 314 333 441

email: hjz@hjz.nl

Tel: +370 448 53737

www.litnaglis.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

137

F OC U S ON Owlett-Jaton

Rapierstar

Exterior Screws

StarDeck™ Exterior Decking Screw

Owlett-Jaton were the inventors of the green organically coated exterior screws. Our original design is still the best screw on the market and is famous for its weather-resistant green coating, superb deep-cut thread and sharp point for easy starting. The organic green coating is also environmentally friendly.

• No Pre-drilling • Superior Holding Power • 50% Less Drive-in Torque Required • Exceptional Corrosion Resistance

TimberDrive Screws TimberDrive is a heavy duty fixing for both timber to timber and component to timber applications. It has been specifically designed for ease of use and speed of application when used with a power tool. The green organic coating has a proven weather resistant record and is recommended for use with treated timbers. The hexagon bit ensures drive is consistently engaged and allows for high torque when required. The under-head ribbing allows the head to be self-countersinking and the heat treated shank ensures optimum product strength. Additionally, the thread is designed to facilitate ease of penetration and still give the maximum pullout strength, requiring no pre-drilling! TimberDrive can be used when fixings Beams, Rafters, Stairs, Floor Joists, Timber Decking Projects, Wooden Landscape Retaining Walls and Fencing. Each TimberDrive pack includes a free purpose designed hexagon driver bit for maximum drive efficiency. Tel: + 44 (0) 1785 819 819

Fax: +44 (0) 1785 819 699

Extreme Performance The award winning StarDeck™ is probably the most efficient weather resistant, exterior screw available. The patented StarForm™ thread provides up to 50% lower drive-in torque, enabling quicker assembly times with exceptional holding power – without pre-drilling! With sizes from 50mm to 100mm long, the StarDeck™ is the ultimate fixing for all exterior timber. Long Life – No Staining High tech StarCoat™ protection extends corrosion resistance in the toughest environments, including ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) and other treated timber. Quick Start Sharp point for a quick start, rapidly penetrating into all wood types, including hardwood, treated softwood or wood composites. Safe The precision StarDrive™ recess improves grip when using power tools and drives into even the hardest wood, without mechanical damage. No Splitting The patented StarForm™ thread lowers torque and reduces wood splitting. Flush Finish Ribbed countersunk bugle head sinks into all timber ensuring a flush finish – effortlessly. Order NOW for your new season building program. Tel: +44 (0) 1260 285 868

www.rapierstar.com

Stafa Holland BV

Tite-Fix Ltd

Stafa Holland is THE specialist for zinc plated and hot dip galvanised fasteners. We would like to introduce our Multi+® screws for professionals. At the moment available from stock:

Developments in timber treatments, and materials used for outdoor construction, demand ever more exacting fixings. TiteFix has not only kept pace with those developments, it is now part of the process, designing fixings that allow for those very advancements. Whether that’s for decking, fencing, cladding, landscaping, posts or any other outdoor application, Tite-Fix has the product to suit.

MULTI+® DECKING SCREWS - U-threads, easier drive in without mechanical tension - Ribs under head for flush countersinking - Square knifed-threads reduce drive-in torque - Specially designed cut point reduces splitting - Suited for all kinds of wood, also hardwood - Hexalobular (T) for better grip - No need for pre-drilling holes - Available in dia. 4x40 up to 5x80 mm in both AISI-410 and stainless A2. Please contact us if you wish to receive more info or an offer. Check our website (www.stafa.nl) for further information. Also our latest catalogue can be found online.

And it’s not just Tite-Fix saying this. The products are accredited by the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA), recommended by such esteemed publications as The British Woodworking Magazine, honoured with prizes for innovation at the Stuttgart Fastener Fair, specified by architects and most of all, chosen by the Trade that demand the best: Deck-Tite® Deck-Tite® Collated Deck-Tite® Composite Deck-Tite® Plus Deck-Tite® Rail Kit Timber-Tite® All DeckMark® (TDA) approved, all Net-Coat® treated for outdoor use. For all the products in the Tite®-Range, please check out the website below and if we haven’t a fixing to suit, we’ll design it. The Revolution Continues…

email: info@stafa.nl

www.stafa.nl

138 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

Tel: 0844 571 0003

www.tite-fix.co.uk

to o l s

perfectControl receives award Stahlwille, based in Wuppertal, Germany, recently received the iF Product Design Award 2011 for its electronic torque calibration unit – perfectControl. Stahlwille’s factory based design team created an electronic torque calibration unit, which even at first glance bears no resemblance to other competitor’s products.

tahwille underlines that the appearance is just where the differences begin. With perfectControl torque wrenches can be calibrated faster, with greater ease and with enhanced precision. Equipped with an advanced electronic drive and control system, the time and effort required to complete calibration tasks is significantly reduced. Thanks to the precise bearing alignment of the spindle combined with a precision stepped motor drive and control system, user induced error can be virtually eliminated. The patented fast and easy hot-swapping of transducers further enables the calibration of the widest possible variety of torque wrenches. The dramatic reductions in time and effort made possible by this unit become apparent as calibration volumes increase. This year the iF product design jury received 2,756 applications from 1,121 participants in 43 different countries. The international jury then selected from 16 categories the winners of the iF Product Design Award 2011. A primary focus was the brand image of each applicant and submission. The judges noted that the consistent branding of many companies results in a strong and distinctive product launch. An important point in times of recovery as design awareness moves back into the spotlight.

Norbar launches new torque app

Norbar Torque Tools has launched a handy torque conversion calculator as a free download on Android and iPhone systems. Similar to the calculator featured on Norbar’s website, the new app offers instant conversion across a full range of SI, Metric and Imperial Units.

eing able to access this information from mobile devices will be invaluable for professionals in engineering and all other sectors requiring accurate torque measurement. Students and apprentices in engineering and technology will also find this app a useful tool to assist in their calculations. Norbar, based in Banbury, UK, has branches in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, China and Singapore. The company underlines that its manufacturing experience and expert knowledge have made this new torque measurement app a truly international tool – as it is easy to access and simple to use by any nationality and useful to engineers, scientists and technologists alike.

Philip Brodey, director of Norbar, maintains that mobility and flexibility of use is vital in many working environments and projects in the field. “The three different systems of measurement are all widely used and this app will make instant calculations between them from the largest to the smallest scales of measurement. The same applies to conversions within a system. This new app is a time saving aid and an ideal way to check your calculations.” The widely used SI measurement of torque is the Newton Metre (N.m), which is the level of torque resulting from the force of one Newton at a distance of one metre. This approximates to just over 0.1 Kgf.m (kilogram force metre) and 0.7 lbf.ft (pound force foot or foot pound).

Wright Tool introduces new strike-free wrenches Wright Tool has introduced new strike-free wrenches that are used on heavy-duty applications where striking-face box wrenches cannot be used and where cheater bars should not be used.

right Tool strike-free wrenches are specifically designed for use where false blows are not permitted. The wrenches also loosen and tighten large fasteners in confined areas where there is not enough room to swing a striking tool. The US made line of strike-free wrenches is available in two and three foot handle sizes, with 12 point wrench openings ranging in 17 sizes from 1 inch to 2 inches in diameter. Wright Tool’s strike-free wrenches are professional-grade and are manufactured for high strength, durability and reliability. “The addition of these strike-free wrenches to our extensive line of wrenches allows Wright Tool to be a single source of tools needed for a variety of industries including the petrochemical, utility, heavy-duty construction and industrial maintenance industries,” said Ty Smith, director of business development at Wright Tool. Wright Tool manufactures a complete line of more than 4,000 professional-grade hand tools for the industrial, contractor, and MRO markets. All Wright manufactured products carry lifetime guarantees against defects in workmanship.

140 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

HIGH QUALITY. RELIABLE. TIME-SAVING.

www.don-quichotte.nl

A multitude of intelligent details combined with solid quality â€“ that is what distinguishes our fixing and fastening products. Products that enable the user to work quickly, easily and reliably, whatever the application.

n_anzeige_FF_2.indd 1

Don Quichotte

04.03.11 09:25

www.actioncan.com Tel: 00 44 (0)1942 713667 Fax: 00 44 (0)1942 716235

exhibitions

Totally taped Organisers Brintex announced a successful three-day Totally Show, staged for the second year at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. While mechanical fasteners didn’t play much of a part it was clearly the year of the tape.

eporting unaudited statistics, show director James Murray said: “This year, even without a direct cross-over point with Spring Fair International, our visitor numbers were 6,116 (unaudited at present), demonstrating that the shows’ co-location continues to prove its worth to visitors and suppliers.” Last year the Totally hall had open sides through which visitors could pass to access Spring Fair International halls. This year a discreet entrance with badge scanners validated the statistics, visitors having to consciously enter to explore Totally’s 140 exhibitors, 43 of which attended for the first time, with a further 21 returning after a break. STG Products sales director, Andy Toyne, was amongst several exhibitors, however, to comment on the visitor mix. “Prior to the event, our perception of the Totally DIY show was that it was aimed at buyers. Sunday was extremely busy with a high percentage of private individuals, many more than we expected to see (50% of total people we saw). Monday wasn’t as busy as Sunday, but there were far fewer individuals and more buyers, so more along the lines of what we wanted and expected. Tuesday was the busiest day, with a similar volume of people as Sunday but many more buyers. Overall, it was a good show for us with plenty of interest and many new retailers keen to take our products into their stores.” Totally comprises of three strongly DIY and hardware retailer targeted product sectors - DIY, Tools and Secure – although the segmentation is becoming less clear as exhibitors vie for key positions in the hall. Draper Tools again took a near entrance position rather than being in the Totally Tools area towards the rear of the hall. Central to the hall was Totally’s now characteristic demonstration and activity area, this year called the ‘Retail Tool Box’. A stream of product presentations were hosted by television’s Roger Bisby in front of a refreshment area and static displays of the entrants to Totally’s ‘Show Stopper’ best new products awards. Mechanical fastener content at the shows was limited. In addition to its core range of hinges, first time exhibitor A Perry & Co., offered screws and bolting product, as well as threaded bar, including in Grade 10.9. Bulk Hardware offered fasteners as part of far more extensive pre-packed ranges for hardware retailers. Managing director, Wyn Rees said: “For us the show was excellent, we had four or five representatives fully employed for 90% of the time and we were still writing new business right up to 5.00pm on the last day.” Stapler/nailer specialists Arrow Fasteners and Isaberg Rapid both regularly support Totally. Rapid launched its electric brad nailer featuring “a patented Electric Tank™ for enhanced shooting force”. Arrow also presented new products at Totally, in the form of its R.E.D.™ - it stands for Reliable. Ergonomic,

Durable - range of staple gun tackers and brad nailers. R.E.D. is a culmination of 18 months work, starting with research interviews with industry professionals, followed by the Arrow innovation team coming up “with product designs that borrow from trends in other industries, while delivering superior performance to anything we’ve built before”. Few were likely to miss Everbuild’s launch of Jaffa Tape said to be “thicker, stronger, and more waterproof than other Gaffa tapes on the market” as a bright orange ball hung above the stand. Everbuild was adamant this new product was “no lemon” and emphasised its adhesive quality. Demonstrated alongside was Seal Rite, Everbuild’s new sealant masking tape for silicone joints, distinguishing itself with a patent pending adjustable dispenser allowing the joint width to be adjusted. STG Products, though, arguably took the prize for non-stop demonstration of CornerTape, originally invented in 2007 by Norwegian kitchen and bathroom contractor, Frank Lian. Tape Invent AS set up production and the CornerTape System is now marketed throughout Europe. CornerTape applies a pair of parallel tapes to provide a mask for sealant application. The system includes surface preparation wipes, a silicone removal and joint smoothing tool, and STG now also offers a CornerTape silicone cartridge with an anti-drip valve and pre-cut nozzles. Gorilla Glue launched two new all-purpose tapes at Totally. Remarkably Gorilla Glue claims a 90% market share for its adhesives range and reckons to now be a dominant player in the UK, where it says consumers are now asking retailers specifically for Gorilla Glue and Tape products. Shurtape® UK, another first time exhibitor, were also intent on winning visibility for Frogtape, a multi-surface masking tape, featuring patented PaintBlock® technology which Shurtape explained “reacts with the moisture in paint and instantly gels, forming a micro-barrier that seals the edge of the tape and prevents paint bleed”. Next year the Totally Shows will move to Hall 16, putting them opposite the Spring Fair International volume halls, from which Brintex anticipates a further boost in visitor numbers.

142 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

to o l s

GAGE BILT – Made in America GAGE BILT is a blind rivet, blind bolt and lock bolt tool manufacturer located in Clinton Township, MI, USA. It has been manufacturing tools since 1956.

nitially a gauge, nose assembly and tool supplier to Huck Manufacturing, the company launched its own GAGE BILT brand in 1979 servicing global industrial and aerospace markets. GAGE BILT is proud to say that all of its pneumatic and hydraulic tools and components are ‘Made in America’. “If you need a tool to install a 3.175mm (⅛ inch) Cherry Max rivet for an aircraft wing or a 22.225mm (⅞ inch) C50L high strength lock bolt for a rail car GAGE BILT is at your service,” says Joe Butvin, GAGE BILT’s new director of sales and marketing. GAGE BILT provides customers with solutions to their specific blind rivet and lock bolt application needs. “If we can not alter an existing tool, nose assembly or power pack then we have the ability to design, develop, test and manufacture a tool that will. Over the years we have designed and manufactured hundreds of special nose assemblies to fit specific customer applications. Chances are we have the right design on the shelf,” adds Joe. Short lead times at GAGE BILT are a big advantage to customers since the company stocks machined castings that are ready to be assembles using many common parts. Typically, tool lead times are quoted at two to three weeks. GAGE BILT points out that its blind rivet tools feature:

• Negative air pressure trigger to reduce the finger force needed to cycle the tool. • The air return piston versus the common spring return piston of competing tools cushion the shock load associated with pin break. • The quality of the machining and the component parts results in less hydraulic fluid loss through seals. In some cases GAGE BILT tools can cycle 100,000 times before priming is required. Unique to GAGE BILT are a series of split tools. “With a split tool we separate the heavy air piston from the handle with an umbilical hydraulic and pneumatic line so the operator is only holding a lightweight pistol or inline tool. In the case of our GBP713D tool it pulls 20,017 Newtons (4,500 pounds) enabling it to install 6.35mm (¼ inch) structural rivets and lock bolts and weighs in at 6.5 pounds. Using the split tool pistol version, the operator is holding a 2.5 pound tool. That is a serious ergonomic advantage that can be sold,” explains Joe.

Award winning RIV916B is ready LineWrench SMC Corporation Ltd, a developer of unique tools based in County Durham, UK, says that its award winning LineWrench uses revolutionary, patented technology which is QA approved and accepted by the German automotive industry.

he LineWrench has a unique ratcheting action, which SMC say is ideal for “in-line” applications. The LineWrench can be opened and closed to fit around the nut completely, only uses the flanks, and does not require intact points. As well as being accepted by the automotive industry the LineWrench is also available for other applications such as plumbing, aeronautical, hydraulic, gas and welding.

Rivit Srl, based in Bologna, Italy, recently launched the RIV916B, a new hydro pneumatic tool for inserts.

he RIV916B can be used to place inserts from M8 to M16 and it is entirely automatic and extremely easy to handle. Cylinder stroke range is 1mm to 15mm and it generates 6 bar (or 80,000N) power. The RIV 916B weighs in at 36kg. “At Rivit we are continuously looking to innovate and introduce new tools. We invite all our customers to enjoy the brand new RIV916B whilst we continue to develop leading tools.”

144 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

tel. + 44 (0) 1494 462 322 www.staytite.com

Staytite Nuts

Stover Nuts

Hardlock Nuts

dedicated to meeting all your fastening needs

...unique fastener solutions email: distributors@staytite.com

7147A Advert Layouts.indd 3

A matter of feeling ...

17/11/10 09:42:32

Since 1974 SPECIALINSERT has been a leading European manufacturer and distributor of fastening system covering applications for metal sheets, full parts, plastic and composite material.

MILANO Tel. +39 02.6468476 TORINO MAERNE DI MARTELLAGO VENEZIA

Advanced fastenening systems

export@specialinsert.it - www.specialinsert.it - export@specialinsert.it - www.specialinsert.it ISO 9001 - Cert. n째 0742

p r o d u ct s

30th anniversary of innovation

One of the 3M’s most innovative adhesive technologies celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

M VHB Acrylic Foam Tapes were launched in 1981 as an alternative to screws, rivets and welding, and are now a fastener of choice in industries ranging from construction and transport to telecommunications. 3M VHB Tapes are double-sided products which create a permanent bond to numerous substrates including metal, glass, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate and polystyrene. Unlike mechanical fixings, the load is spread evenly through the entire length of the joint, while the product’s flexibility makes it equally suitable for dynamic loads as well as static loads. It offers strong resistance to moisture, solvents and UV light and can cope with extremes of temperature at both ends of the range. The VHB range has been continually enhanced since its launch, reflecting 3M’s constant commitment to innovation and to developing and growing its product portfolio to meet ever-changing customer requirements.

Keeping work easily accessible Douwes International BV has launched a completely new website, where customers can find the whole range of SecuFast® security screws, a registered trade name of Douwes.

ouwes points out that as part of its commitment to keeping its work easily accessible, it has created a newly redesigned website which is a more navigable website with additional resources, better tools, and a new visual design to find the right security screws. The quadrilingual website (Dutch, English, German and French) provides an extensive overview of the several kinds of security heads, recess systems and tools of the SecuFast® range. Each screw is shown with an illustration and an index in which the different possibilities are shown. Each design of the SecuFast® products has its own part number, which simplifies ordering. The website is up-to-date with the latest security screws, the SecuFast® Shear bolts TRF® and the 6-Lobe woodscrew with plug.

d n a l o g n H i a f tS a eel ners

e t s a f

for

HB.indd 1

27.12.2010 12:17:06

f e h t

You need good quality fastening elements. Coated and packaged as desired, and delivered to you in time. That is possible. The Stafa Holland team is ready for you. Feel free to discuss with us what precisely you would like to have, and when, and we will get into top gear for you. As a stock keeping importer we can quickly deliver a wide variety of screws, bolts, nuts, threaded rods, washers, anchors, as well as a broad range of additional materials. We offer highly competitive prices, deliver our orders strictly on time throughout Europe, and have been known to guarantee high quality fastening elements for more than thirty years. See for yourself. Just send us an email or call us on 0031-495 599888. We will be more than happy to discuss our stock, our prices, and our production with you.

Stafa Holland

Den Engelsman 18 P.O. Box 2670 6026 ZH Maarheeze The Netherlands Tel: 0031-495 599888 Fax: 0031-495 599876 Email: info@stafa.nl Internet: www.stafa.nl

p r o d u ct s

CornerTape Silicone has unique nozzle system The new CornerTape SiliconePro Kitchen & Bathroom Sealant incorporates the World’s first Anti-Drip Valve and Pre-Cut Nozzle System.

ornerTape plans to release a number of other sealant products in coming months. All the new sealants are anti-mould and include the patented, unique Anti-Drip Valve and Pre-Cut Nozzle System for easy use, to prevent waste and save mess. The Anti-Drip Valve is conveniently positioned close to the operator’s front hand - one turn of the valve immediately cuts off the flow of sealant, preventing the traditionally inevitable overspill. The Pre-Cut Nozzle System comes in four sections, each of which unscrews to reveal the next, and a lid. Each nozzle is cut at an angle of 45° and corresponds to the various sizes of CornerTape for beads of sealant 2.5mm, 4mm, 6mm and 8mm in size. The CornerTape patented Pre-Cut Nozzle System can be re-used, the cured sealant easily cleared by simply unscrewing each nozzle and taking the old cured sealant out. Andy Toyne, sales director of STG Products Ltd, said: “We realise there are many sealants on the market, and we’re launching products into an already overcrowded category, but I’ve got to say that the feedback so far leads us to believe we’re onto a real winner and have such a significant point of difference to others products that we know both trade and DIY customers will love our sealants.” CornerTape SiliconePro sealant is available in a choice of colours – white, black, grey, light grey, dark grey, cream and clear. The CornerTape system is designed to guarantee a simple, accurate and fast method of applying all types of sealants on tiles, baths, showers and worktops for a perfect clean-straight-edge finish without mess. Invented by a Norwegian contractor and launched in 2007, CornerTape has won awards in France and has gained a loyal following of retailers, contractors and trades’ people since its launch. For DIY and professional users, CornerTape provides a choice of silicone remover tool, preparation wipes, a silicone forming kit and rolls of CornerTape in various sizes and roll lengths.

Sherex launches new website Sherex Fastening Solutions, a manufacturer and distributor of blind rivet nuts and specialty fasteners, has announced the launch of its newly designed website.

ndrew Johnson, president of Sherex Fastening Solutions, comments: “In 1992, long before most companies knew what the www was; Sherex hosted its first web site. We’ve come a long way since then and so has our new site which now features 3D downloadable drawings, easy navigation, and videos. Our goal for our new site is to provide the essential information our customers require in an easy to use manner.” From the new Sherex homepage visitors will have access to newly developed product videos & all of the product lines that Sherex offers including its brand new line of clinch nuts and

fastener automation systems. Within the ‘blind rivet nuts’ product bucket on the home page there are three links to in-depth rivet nut selection guides which break down each series of rivet nuts that is within that family. These selection guides allow visitors to see the different features and benefits between the different rivet nut styles Sherex offers and then probe farther into the catalogue or download a 3D model of that style rivet nut. An entire page was also developed for Sherex’s innovative ‘RIV-FLOAT®’ product, which includes specific applications and kit & bag information.

Anixter has it sorted Fastener and cable accessories supplier, Anixter Component Solutions has introduced a range of component assortment kits to its standard product range.

overing a wide variety of styles and sizes of fasteners, hole plugs and ‘O’ ring seals, the kits are ideal for maintenance, repair and R&D departments. Supplied in robust compartmented boxes, the kits keep the components clean and separated into ordered sizes, reducing the time taken to ‘rummage around’ in order to find the right size of part needed. The fastener kits contain a wide variety of stainless steel DIN standard machine and self-tapping screws. Nylon threaded and push fastener kits are also available. There are 17 types of kit in the range including an ‘O’ ring splicing kit that contains 14 sizes of ‘O’ ring cord and all the equipment you need to create your own sizes of seal. “Using standard component kit boxes can help speed up repairs and thus reduce machine downtime as well as reduce the development time of prototypes and test equipment,” says Andrew Fletcher, technical director for Anixter Component Solutions.

148 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

The final piece of the jigsaw to fall into place

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PennEngineering® awarded Phillips Screw license

PennEngineering® has been awarded a license from Phillips Screw Company for its patented MORTORQ® SUPER Spiral Drive System.

he proprietary drive system was developed to deliver extremely high-torque capability for fasteners without risking damage to screw heads or surrounding areas. The drive will be integrated by PennEngineering into various PEM® fastener products and further advances the company’s key strategy to enter the threaded small-diameter screw market. New product offerings will include screws in 2mm and smaller thread sizes ideally suited for high-volume consumer and medical devices, among other applications. Among features and benefits, Phillips Screw highlights that the system’s unique geometric spiral design maximises recess wall and driver contact to provide extremely high torque transfer without cam-out. The drive’s low-profile head and high-strength shallow recess additionally contribute to reducing overall fastener weight. Various fastener head styles can be accommodated.

New capability for aerospace attachment applications

3V® Fasteners Company Inc., based in Corona, CA, USA, has introduced a new capability to supply titanium bolts and screws to satisfy standard designs or accommodate unique customer requirements for a wide range of attachment applications in the aerospace industry.

he externally threaded NAS and MS parts are manufactured from traditional titanium alloy TI-6AL-4V and weigh 40% less than comparable non-titanium hardware. They ideally suit applications onboard commercial and military aircraft from actuators to seat track assemblies, among many others. In addition to inherent weight savings, 3V Fasteners points out that its titanium fasteners exhibit high strength-to-weight ratio, high-temperature properties and stability, low density, and corrosion resistance. Also, parts can be manufactured to achieve 160KSI tensile strength, 95KSI shear strength, and demonstrate excellent fatigue performance. 3V titanium fasteners can be provided in various head types (12 point, hex, flush, flat fillister, and pan) and drives in thread sizes -04 to -8 and diameters .093 to .500. All can be offered either uncoated or with aluminium or cadmium plate.

Forged M10 Tubtara® in stainless 316 More than 20 years ago Dejond started forging TUBTARA® blind rivet nuts in stainless steel 304, followed more recently by an additional range in stainless steel 316. It has now introduced a new technical challenge: the forged M10 Tubtara® in stainless steel 316.

ejond explains that this development offers a new, cost saving solution to the industry because there is almost no waste during the forging process, as Dejond makes optimal use of the expensive 316 material. Whereas the stainless 304 is used more in home and commercial applications, the stainless 316 has proven its effectiveness in all circumstances, indoor as well as outdoor, where corrosion or higher temperatures are critical and a long-term, non-magnetic solution is required. Containing more than 2% molybdenum, the 316 material is effective in environments exposed to chlorides, salt water and elevated temperatures. Having only just been launched, the stainless M10 programme is still in progress. Larger production volumes in round and hexagonal version, with open or closed end and different head forms offer good prospects for the future. Samples are available on request.

150 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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This orange won’t peel Launched at the Birmingham Totally Shows in February Jaffa tape is not only thicker, stronger and more waterproof than other Gaffa tapes on the market it also, says Everbuild Building Products, has the most amazing adhesive quality.

his product is definitely no lemon, according to Leeds, UK based Everbuild. “Unlike normal Gaffa tape, when you join a tarpaulin in wet and cold conditions, you can be confident that new Jaffa Tape won’t let you down, so come Monday morning, after a particularly wet or windy weekend, you’ll be pleased to see that they’ve stayed stuck!” Jaffa Tape has a multitude of uses including waterproofing and windproofing scaffolding, windows, doors and exposed roofing – it can also be used on vertical and overhead applications due to its unique hold strength. Everbuild says Jaffa Tape can also be used to temporarily hold DPM, timber, guttering, sheet material or any other building material that needs to be held in place without the need to clamp. Jaffa Tape will stick to most surfaces and substrates and can be used internally as well as externally. Jaffa Tape is only available in orange, and comes in three sizes: 50mm x 5 metres (Mini), 50mm x 25 metres (Standard) and 75mm x 25 metres (Jumbo) – all packed in a high impact, orange peel effect, counter top display box.

Cheap clamps can be costly Complex, high-tech expensive machinery can frequently be immobilised when an inexpensive component such as a hose clip malfunctions, causing considerable damage and often significantly threatening safety, warns the manufacturer of Jubilee® clips.

hen failure does occur, the chances are that the clip will be sitting in one of those really awkward difficult to reach places, which can increase the time needed to fix the problem. Skimping on quality at the outset will frequently result in this type of unexpected scenario adding more to the cost than was originally anticipated. In recent years the market has been swamped by a plethora of mass-produced hose clips, which are exported to Britain from many countries around the world and users can be forgiven for believing that all of these producers exert the same rigorous quality and testing procedures. Jubilee® clips (manufactured in the UK by L Robinson & Co (Gillingham) Ltd since 1921), have over the years, proven to be safe, durable and capable in combating extreme clamping conditions. In fact Jubilee® exceeds the demands of BSI in all areas. Poor quality of materials used in hose clip manufacture can result in thread stripping, difficulties with removal and replacement, premature corrosion and sub-standard crimping, causing the screw to retract from its housing during or after installation.

Self-sealing fasteners catalogue APM HEXSEAL has published its latest fastener catalogue featuring its expanded full line of high-pressure, stainless steel self-sealing screws, bolts, rivets, nuts and washers in Imperial and Metric sizes.

PM HEXSEAL’s screws and bolts utilise an embedded silicone O-Ring, capable of withstanding pressure up to 20,000psi, and operate in a temperate range of -160°F to +500°F. The nuts and washers employ a molded-in elastomeric barrier that seals both the threads and through hole. A variety of sealing materials are available, including fluorosilicone, Viton® and Buna N neoprene. All of which meet UL Recognition, RoHS, and DFARS. Several popular thread locking options can also be specified along with tamper-resistant drive styles. The APM self-sealing fastener line has been sold worldwide for more than fifty years under the following trademarks: SEELSKREW®, SEELBOLT®, SEELNUT®, SEELRIVET® and SEELOC® (washer). Their applications are used extensively for mechanical and electrical fastening on marine, automotive, aviation, test and measurement instrumentation, medical and a variety of military equipment.

152 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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500 pages worth of competence in stainless steel WASI, the global system partner for stainless steel fasteners, released a new catalogue for its WASI Norm product division at the recent Fastener Fair Stuttgart.

he 500 page reference work is distinguished above all by user-friendly innovations which make product searches even easier: a clear, category-based table of contents, a new WASI screw search function and a separate overview page for every DIN Standard. The beginning of the catalogue provides a breakdown of the WASI system components, including a detailed description of the WASI service spectrum. The catalogue is topped off by a comprehensive Technical Manual, which contains everything worth knowing about the topic of stainless steel fasteners. “We are proud of our new product catalogue – a masterpiece of clear presentation and user-friendliness. Its improved navigation makes it even easier for the customer to find the right fastener in our broad and varied product range”, says Dirk Kiele-Dunsche, managing director of Wagener & Simon WASI GmbH & Co. KG. “An easy-to-manage catalogue helps companies to reduce administrative costs related to the procurement of C-parts – thus also reducing process costs. In this way, the new product directory is a further step towards our avowed goal of optimising the procurement management of our customers, thereby helping them to save costs.”

Rivet to pivot on The latest addition to Ornit Blind Rivets product range is the ‘PIV-OR’, which it says is a perfect example of the exceptional customer service it offers.

or 35 years Ornit has been supplying rivets for the construction, automotive, electronic, and solar energy industries, as well as working with customers, when possible, to design and manufacture custom designed rivets. The ‘PIV-OR’ is a pivot style rivet which can be used in various applications including ladders, security bars and hand tools. The ‘PIV-OR’, available in 6mm diameter and steel/steel, features a pre-designed accurate grip which was produced to meet a user’s specifications. Ornit’s extensive product range also includes the double-locking ORLOCK, the split-tail OR-BULB, the OR-BOLT and the ORNILOCK structural rivet, all of which are available in a range of diameters and materials. Ornit’s subsidiary company, Ornit Inc, is located in the USA, providing Ornit’s products and services to its North American clients.

FDB adds to range FDB Panel Fittings has recently added the IP65 7-078 compression latch, and its sister variant 7-079 with depth adjustable shaft, to its range of stainless steel handles, hinges, locks and swing handles.

DB highlights that both items are especially suited to applications where vibration may be a significant problem or where an unusually wide compression range is required. These situations include road vehicles, railway rolling stock, gen-sets, HVAC installations, etc. The compression stroke of 6mm on the 7-078 (9mm on 7-079) generates enough pressure to compress even the thickest gaskets and seals while the 90° action coupled with high pull down forces are capable of resisting vibrational movement that may otherwise allow doors to shake open. Also, the depth adjustable shaft on the 7-079 enables the cam position to be re-set to accommodate varying door-to frame depths. FDB’s 7-078 and 7-079 also feature a colour indicator of open-closed status for ready identification. IP65 sealing against dust and water is the norm for applications with these latches – as are wet/corrosive environments where stainless steel hardware is a standard fitment.

154 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 68 March 2011

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Move. Cushion. Secure. As an engineer and manufacturer of disc springs, as well as load and safety washers for renowned industrial companies, Adolf SCHNORR® GmbH & Co KG, a family-owned enterprise located in Sindelfingen near Stuttgart, is specialised in various economic fields including automotive, aerospace and engineering industries.

CHNORR® offers customised solutions based on its long-term expertise, reliability, and commitment to the highest standards regarding perfection and quality. The original SCHNORR® load washers have been specially developed for high-strength bolts of grades 8.8 – 12.9 representing the most powerful form of safety washer in the form of a disc spring. SCHNORR’s load washers comply with DIN 6796 and stand for German quality.

SCHNORR® safety washers are reliable bolt locking devices, which combine the effectiveness of security through friction and mechanical locking with the basics of a disc spring. They are used world-wide for secure fasteners opposing the effect of vibration. “SCHNORR® disc springs support many dynamic processes in a safe and efficient way – working under extreme force and load conditions.”

Bäcker gets a PlacoGrip® Under the brand name of PlacoGrip®, Bäcker Plastic-Metal-Standard Elements has developed a new product line of control elements.

he PlacoGrip® range includes adjustable clamping levers, both in plastic and also in zinc diecast versions, indexing and clamping handles and various designs of plastic and zinc diecast knob elements with metal thread inserts. Bäcker points out that the main features of the PlacoGrip® product line are the high quality and attractive design of the control elements. The complete new product line was presented to the trade at the recent Fastener Fair Stuttgart. Bäcker has also produced a new and clearly arranged catalogue, and is seeking competent sales partners in Europe who are interested in a long-term business relationship.

Unit 23 Mochdre Industrial Park Newtown Powys SY16 4LE United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1686 621 300 F: +44 (0)1686 621 800 E: info@hafrenfasteners.com

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd

For details of the complete range and your free copy of our Micro Screws Handbook, please visit our website. www.microscrews.co.uk The Birches Industrial Estate, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex. RH19 1XZ U.K. Tel +44 1342 410758 Fax +44 1342 311464 Email info@pts-uk.com Internet: www.microscrews.co.uk

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Adjustable tape dispenser for silicone masking Seal Rite, the new sealant masking system from Everbuild Building Products, features a unique adjustable dispense allowing joint width to be adjusted.

ilicone sealant is the most commonly used product for sealing corners on tiled areas, around showers, baths and basins, around worktops, wall and floor joints, door and window frames. However, the application of silicone sealant usually requires a relatively high level of skill to achieve a consistent quality of finish. If applied incorrectly the joint will look poor and waterproofing may be compromised. Seal Rite is a dispenser and micro-fine foil masking tape which enables both tradesmen and DIY’ers to achieve a perfectly finished joint every time, without any level of skill, eliminating both mess and wastage. This new system is designed particularly with corner joints in bathroom/kitchen applications in mind, but equally it can also be used in various other areas. The unique adjustable dispenser, which has a patent pending,

allows the joint width to be adjusted using the outer wheel of the product – both of these outer sides move simultaneously so that when applied the tape is positioned offset from the wall by the chosen number of millimetres. There are six joint size options ranging from 4mm to 9mm (in 1mm increments). Once the joint size has been selected it is easy to run the dispenser down one side of the corner joint, nipping off the tape when the bottom is reached, with a cutting blade built into the dispenser. The same is then repeated on the adjoining wall to create the parallel lines to apply the sealant. Once this has been done, the Everbuild Smooth-Out Tool should be used to smooth down the joint before the tape is pulled off leaving the “perfect seal everytime”.

Stayplas 30° launched at Fastener Fair Stuttgart Staytite Ltd launched its Stayplas 30°, a high performance screw designed for use in thermoplastics, at the recent Fastener Fair Stuttgart exhibition.

he Stayplas 30° has a 30 degree thread angle, optimum pitch width and a high major to minor thread ratio. The thread profile requires a low insertion torque, whilst providing a high strip out torque and a greater load bearing capacity. The 30° thread angle also reduces the risk of splitting the material on insertion and provides maximum resistance to vibration. Staytite highlights that it stocks an extensive range of sizes, in various head styles, with full batch traceability and extremely competitive prices. In addition it is able to supply a range of alternative materials and bespoke designs to customer specifications. “Since its formation in 1978, Staytite has gained a reputation for offering a range of high quality, competitively priced fasteners that both save time and add value to production. The introduction of the Stayplas 30° will further enhance our core product range of: SEMS screws, barb nuts, carp nuts, all metal lock nuts, serrated and non-serrated flange nuts and bolts.”

tel. + 44 (0) 1494 462 322 www.staytite.com

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Alufast® fasteners facilitate lightweight construction Arnold Umformtechnik says that its Alufast® aluminium screws are especially advantageous for joining magnesium components, especially with material pairs exposed to thermal stress, where they significantly enhance the security of threaded fastener joints.

rnold underlines that the type 6056 aluminium alloy used for Alufast® fasteners has a proven track record of durability for joining magnesium components with threaded fasteners. The Alufast® product line has good characteristics for thermal expansion, corrosion resistance and recycling. At the same time, Alufast® products fulfil stringent requirements for retention of clamping force, thermal stability and weight reduction. Unlike steel screws, which require over dimensioned head bearing areas for joining magnesium components, standard dimensions are sufficient with Alufast® fasteners. Furthermore, Alufast® aluminium screws weigh only one-third as much as equivalent steel screws. Particularly with large volumes the weight savings can amount to the equivalent of several metric tonnes of steel per year. Alufast® fasteners also exhibit good corrosion characteristics in contact with magnesium. The relatively small difference in electromotive force significantly reduces the risk of corrosion compared with steel fasteners. The mechanical properties of the screws are practically stable under long-term stress at temperatures up to approximately 150°C. Brief temperature excursions up to approximately 180°C do not pose a risk. Alufast® screws can be used untreated in combination with commonly used magnesium casting alloys, such as Az91 HP. They do not need any additional surface coating. The corrosion resistance of the components remains stable over their

entire operating life. “Relaxation processes, in particular in the joined magnesium components, can lead to reduced clamping forces, especially in joints exposed to thermal stress. Particularly in applications such as engines and transmissions, the component temperature range of -30°C to 150°C leads to temperature differences of up to

180°C. In joints with steel screws, the high temperatures initially cause additional stress on the threaded fastener joint due to thermal expansion, which usually leads to relaxation or even plastification of the magnesium. These relaxation effects in magnesium lead directly to reduced clamping force at elevated operating temperatures. With a thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of magnesium, Alufast® screws exhibit significantly less loss of clamping force with temperature cycling than conventional steel screws.”

Combining the benefits Rotor Clip Company Inc is helping designers of fluid power assemblies cut costs and save space in their designs by combining the benefits of wave springs and traditional retaining rings.

otor Clip, a manufacturer of retaining rings, hose clamps, and related products, explains that the retaining ring fixes the cover element and eliminates the need to weld or screw down the components, making the assembly easy to repair/service in the field. The wave spring between one cover element and the inner tube pre-loads the inner components against each other; meaning that possible axial tolerances are always balanced so no axial play occurs.

Abbey Clamps...................................15

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Japan Hardware.............................. 131

Action Can Ltd................................. 141

JM Tor Par.......................................133

ADI Supply Ltd...................................63

Jubilee Clips Ltd.............................. 117

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co. KG.................4

Koenig Verbindungstechnik GmbH.....68

Advance Spares Ltd........................123

Kohlhage..................................... 85, 87

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co...............33

Krumm & André GmbH.................. 151

Alexander Paal GmbH.......................19

Lederer..............................................20

Alfran Fasteners Ltd....................... 151

London Screw Company Ltd...........160

Allbolts Ltd........................................ 71

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Alloy & Stainless Fasteners Inc,.......25

M&W Fastener Co.,Ltd.....................29

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Arpel (Chilterns) Ltd....................... 141

Mectron............................................. 61

Ashish International......................... 31

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Autonic Engineering.........................45

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Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd...........79

Nakashimada Engineering Works....95

Bäcker GmbH & Co. KG....................45

National Machinery......................... 101

BAS Components Ltd......................133

ND Industries............................ 97, 134

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Berdan Bolt & Nut Co.Ltd..............143

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Birlik Baglanti...................................87

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Bülte Plastiques SA..........................47

Ornit Blind Rivets............................153

Can-Eng Furnaces..........................113

Owlett-Jaton.....................................48

Carlo Salvi....................................... 107

Pinstructure Ltd................................15

Chatsworth Computers Ltd............ 131

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Chemfix Products Limited................ 71

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Ching Chan Machinery....................103

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Rec Engineering GmbH....................54

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CSS....................................................35

Rivco Ltd.........................................149

Damigos Group.................................19

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De Wit B.V.......................................... 21

San Shing Fastech Corp.................164

dk Software Ltd...............................129

Schnorr Adolf GmbH & Co. KG.........15

Don Quichotte B.V........................... 141

Schröder Schrauben.........................47

Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH......... 111

SCI..................................................... 81

Dresselhaus GmbH & Co. KG.........135

SD Products Ltd................................ 21

DS Fasteners Ltd............................ 147

Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corp.........159

E.U.R.O. Tec GmbH...........................65

Shanghai Rivet Manufacture...........125

Earnest Machine Products Ltd....... 117

Shin Chun Enterprise Co Ltd..........139

EFC International............................135

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Emhart Teknologies............................5

Specialinsert Srl.............................145

Verbindungslemente Engel GmbH.....57

Spirol........................................... 17, 83

Everest Metal Industries...................83

Stafa Holland BV............................. 147

Fastbolt...............................................2

Staytite.......................77, 131, 145, 158

Fasten.it............................................43

Super Nut Industrial Co Ltd...........156

Fastener Expo Shanghai 2011 .........39

Tacke + Lindemann........................... 51

Fastener Fair Brazil..........................49

Tecfi S.p.A..........................................88

Fastener Fair India............................ 41

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Volt Industrial Plastics, Inc...............27

HAPARE GmbH............................... 127

Vorpa Officine Meccaniche snc.........73

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HECO-Schrauben GmbH.................. 71

Wafios Umformtechnik GmbH........105

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WASI..................................................59

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Hugo Benzing GmbH & Co KG........ 147

Yi Tai Shen Co., Ltd......................... 161

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Universal Innovative Products .........53

Global Engineered Products........... 151

Vibration Master.............................109

Goebel GmbH....................................55

Vipa SPA............................................79

Graewe GmbH & Co.KG....................33

Vogelsang GmbH ............. 45, 117, 153