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  • BUMAX chosen for the Einstein Telescope project

    Posted in Aerospace fasteners, Industry 4.0, Innovation, Manufacturing technology on Nov 21, 2023

    Swedish specialist fastener manufacturer BUMAX has been selected to supply premium fasteners to ETpathfinder, an R&D facility at Maastricht University for testing and prototyping innovative concepts and enabling new technologies for the Einstein Telescope (ET).

    The Einstein Telescope is a next generation underground gravitational wave observatory. The ET is being developed to be 100 times more sensitive than current instruments and is scheduled for completion in 2035. The telescope will enable scientists to study the precise structure of neutron stars, the birth of black holes and the structure of the universe immediately after the Big Bang.

    Regular fasteners not an option

    The ETpathfinder equipment is currently being assembled in a cleanroom that includes a large vacuum vessel containing various optics and seismic attenuation structures to isolate the test setup as much as possible from any noise from the outside world. The test setup resides in a vacuum to further remove vibrations carried through the air, and to also minimize interference of air molecules with the optics and lasers.

    “Because we can’t use any oils or lubricants in our cleanroom, regular fasteners just aren’t an option,” explains Mathijs Baars, Mechanical Engineer at the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef). “We investigated various fastener alternatives, including titanium-nitride coated fasteners, but BUMAX was the only solution that fully met our requirements while still being cost effective.”

    Anti-galling properties crucial

    BUMAX is supplying bolts, washers and nuts in the BUMAX 88 stainless steel grade which offers anti-galling properties. Galling is common with regular stainless steel fasteners and involves the fastener seizing up with the internal threads as a result of cold welding. In the ETpathfinder project, some parts may need to be disassembled and reassembled more than 100 times over the coming couple of decades. Any galling issues would have serious consequences for the project.

    ET2.jpg

    “The worst-case scenario for us would be if a galled fastener were to weld with one of our custom-made vacuum parts as these would be very costly to replace,” says Baars. “This is why choosing fasteners with anti-galling properties is essential risk management for the entire ETpathfinder project – particularly in the vacuum chamber where we will only use BUMAX fasteners.”

    The BUMAX® 88 bolts and nuts delivered to the ETpathfinder project are electro polished, receive kolsterised treatment and are cleanroom packed. This is important to avoid particles from the nuts and bolts in the ETpathfinder cleanroom and Kolsterisation increases surface hardness, which further reduces the risk of galling.

    Cryogenic temperature resistance

    The ETpathfinder mirrors will be cooled to 8K (-265°C) when they are operational to ensure optimum performance. The mirrors are cooled to reduce thermal noise, which is the vibration of atoms that scales with that atom’s temperature.

    ET1.jpg

    Metals typically become brittle at cryogenic temperatures, which makes them prone to sudden failure. However, BUMAX® 88 fasteners provide good resistance to cryogenic temperatures due to their high material quality, low impurities and high-quality finish. Third-party tests have shown that BUMAX® 88 fasteners retain excellent ductility even in temperatures as low as 0K (-273°C).

    BUMAX often chosen for challenging scientific R&D projects and other hi-tech manufacturing industries

    “Our premium fasteners have been chosen for many scientific high-profile projects and products, including CERN and ISS , and this is yet another one,” said Lars Holm, Managing Director of BUMAX. “We are very proud to have been selected to be part of the Einstein Telescope project, which is of course testament to the high quality of our products.”


    Author: BUMAX

  • China International Hardware Show 2023 concludes its remarkable 20-year journey and sets to embark on the new chapter of China’s hardware industry

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fastener distribution, Fastener suppliers, Fasteners manufacturers, Hardware on Sep 30, 2023

    * Grand closing of China International Hardware Show 2023 with its 20th anniversary.

    * Industry forums and innovation awards bring in new insights to capture hardware trends.

    * Positive feedback from the CIHS 2023 onsite, exhibitors and visitors have confirmed their next participations.

    China’s hardware industry is getting much-needed boost with the successful opening of China International Hardware Show (CIHS) on 19-21 September 2023 in Shanghai, China. After experiencing the waves of the global economy affecting numerous industries around the world, including China’s hardware businesses, this year's show was held in anticipation and received an overwhelming response from the industry for its 20th anniversary.

    As one of the most influential and professional annual hardware events in the global market, organised by China National Hardware Association and Koelnmesse Co., Ltd., CIHS 2023, in conjunction with its concurrent exhibitions “China International Building Hardware & Fasteners Show 2023” and “China International Locks & Security Doors Show 2023”, totally covers 120,000 square metres, featuring a wide range of products including tools, DIY & building hardware, lock, work safety & accessories as well as processing equipment and garden tools.

    Total of 2,623 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions have brought tens of thousands of brands and products to showcase their products, exchange and network to take advantage of the great business opportunities. The fair has warmly received 68,405 visits from 97 countries and regions worldwide during the three-day period, among which, the international trade buyers accounted for 7.7 percent.

    Supported by Koelnmesse’s international hardware trade fairs, as well as embassies, consulates and trade associations worldwide, CIHS 2023 welcomed the encouraging re-entry of international participants, especially from Germany, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, China Taiwan, etc.

    During the three-day event, renowned domestic hardware enterprises participated. Some of the key participants included Great Star, Wendeng Maxpower, Ningbo Great Wall, Jiangsu Hongbao, Hebei Zhongbo, Zhejiang Huafeng and Tiangong International. Additionally, Chinese brands representing local hardware industry clusters and associations, such as Yongkang, Jiande, Jinhua, Lin’an, Xiaolan, Anping, Taigu and Pujiang, also proudly showcased their products. This show served as a testament to the superior quality and craftsmanship of “Made in China” products.

    “Though CIHS was interrupted for three years due to the pandemic, this year’s event marks a grand comeback and restart, and we have exceeded expectations in terms of the scales, numbers of exhibitors and visitors, performance of events and the feedbacks from all participants,” Mr. ZHANG Dongli, President of China National Hardware Association stated, “such achievement symbolises the dedication and innovative inputs of the organisers and respective partners, as well as the active support and participation of all exhibitors and visitors. After over three years of endeavors, a splendid event has been presented during the 3 show days. Not only did it exceed everyone’s anticipation, but it also laid a solid foundation for the successful show in 2024. Meanwhile, we will continue to facilitate all participants with more premium services, improvement initiatives and build a development pattern that empowers a spectacular CIHS.”

    On the occasion of CIHS’ 20th anniversary, the organisers have launched a series of celebration events, including an onsite gallery dedicated to honouring CIHS’ exceptional journey over the past two decades. This dedicated area showcased the impressive growth of the exhibition, with expanded scope and increased participation from valued exhibitors and visitors. The remarkable showcase highlighted the extraordinary progress made and set the stage for future milestones. Additionally, faithful enterprises and exceptional service providers have been honoured and praised for their continuous support and unwavering commitment to CIHS.

    “In the past two decades, we have witnessed the prosperous development of China's hardware industry and contributed to the enhancement of international cooperation and exchanges. With years of expansion and accumulation, CIHS has successfully evolved into the ideal choice and access for overseas buyers in the Chinese market,” remarked Mr. Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH, “at a time when the global economy is stabilising in the post-pandemic era, we are delighted to provide comprehensive support to enterprises in expanding their global export capabilities and distribution networks through our on-site events and services.”

    The much-anticipated events such as awards and competitions, conferences and forums, industry networking were in full swing during show days This year, onsite exhibitors and visitors enjoyed as many as 52 conference sessions, themed matchmaking sessions, competitions and innovation award activities, covering hot topics of the entire industry, and providing a more diversified showcase and interactive experience.

    The China National Hardware Association and the China Industrial Design Association jointly organised the 4th edition of "Golden Hook" China Lock and Technological Equipment Design Competition. Seven esteemed judges from the organisers, Tsinghua University and Shandong University reviewed 38 lock products from 33 exhibitors, garnering significant interests from the industry.

    In the inaugural “CIHS Best Product Awards”, a total of 24 Excellence Awards, 65 Exquisite Awards, and New Product Awards were conferred. This recognises and promotes the industry’s most forward-thinking and innovative products of the year, providing cutting-edge product information to propel the industrial development and facilitate its growth.

    The newly introduced Foreign Trade Channel Development Forum has gained the active participation and high recognition of industry colleagues. Esteemed attendees have affirmed that the forum offers a range of valuable information and effective channels for trade communication, enabling businesses to overcome marketing obstacles and enhance channel management efficiency.

    The dedicated matchmaking sessions themed on supply and demand from various countries and regions, mainly targeted market channels in Europe, America, Latin America and the “Belt and Road”. During show days, 325 meetings between buyers and exhibitors were effectively facilitating onsite. In addition, 318 hosted buyers have been formed into various procurement delegations from supermarket and distribution channels in 80 countries and regions and engaged in-depth trade and business communications with selected exhibitors.

    Positive feedback from the CIHS 2023 onsite, exhibitors and visitors have expressed that they will continue to participate next year “We’re Kaijie Abrasives and mainly specialise in abrasive mold production and have been in the industry for 30 years. We have been participating in the CIHS since its second edition. We are truly grateful to the organisers for providing us with the opportunity and platform to communicate with international visitors. CIHS has significantly contributed to our growth. We hope to meet many new customers every year,” was highly appraised by Mr. Hou Qingkai, General Manager of Xuchang Kaijie Abrasive Co., Ltd.

    “I’m from Saudi Arabia. I have a company here in China and in my country as well, dealing with hardware products such as painting tools, drills and cutting accessories. I have visited this trade fair multiple times, expanding our business with Chinese suppliers. I’m interested in Chinese manufacturers because they can fulfill the clients’ requirements such as providing with high quality, good prices and cooperation and the efficiency we need. I feel that this fair can provide the customers who would like to find new suppliers of what they need and give a good access to Chinese suppliers,” commented by Mr. Osama Al-Refaei, General Manager of Yiwu Wise Trading Co., Ltd.

    In 2023, in the new situation of the international and domestic economy, the hardware market is encountering important and unprecedented changes. In the meantime, the hardware industry is facing serious challenges as well as rare opportunities. “With the positive signals of industry’s recovery and the support of all partners, exhibitors and visitors, CIHS will be able to embrace new opportunities, meet new challenges, set the industry’s new benchmark and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of the hardware industry through the exhibition platform,” added Mr. Keith Tsui, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Co., Ltd.

    For more information about China International Hardware Show, please click on https://www.hardwareshow-china.com/


    Author: Ms. Cathy Zhang

    Tel.: + 86 21 6390 6161-810 Fax :+ 86 21 6390 6858 E-mail: cathy.zhang@koelnmesse.cn

    Koelnmesse (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Shanghai Branch Unit 3103, Wheelock Square, No. 1717 Nanjing West Road Shanghai 200040, P.R. China www.koelnmesse.com

    Managing Director: Keith Tsui

  • Rotor Clip Awarded GM Supplier Excellence Award for Outstanding Commitment to Quality

    Posted in Award, Fasteners manufacturers on Aug 18, 2023

    Rotor Clip is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious 2022 General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award (SQEA). This accolade is a testament to Rotor Clip’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality products and services to General Motors (GM).

    The GM Supplier Quality Excellence Award is granted to suppliers who have demonstrated exceptional performance and adherence to stringent quality standards throughout the year. Rotor Clip’s manufacturing site not only met but exceeded these rigorous criteria, earning this recognition.

    As a recipient of this esteemed award, Rotor Clip joins the ranks of GM’s top-performing supplier manufacturing locations. This achievement demonstrates the dedication to delivering ‘Quality at Volume’ to GM Manufacturing Plants.

    Bruce Rudin, Quality Assurance Manager expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I'm thrilled that our commitment to manufacturing the highest quality rings, springs and clamps has been recognized again with the 2022 GM Supplier Quality Excellence Award. This is a testament to our team’s dedication to maintaining only the highest quality standards across all areas of our business.”

    This award also acknowledges the collaborative effort and strong partnership between Rotor Clip and GM, allowing both companies to achieve new heights of success. Rotor Clip remains committed to delivering excellence and maintaining the highest quality standards, ensuring customer satisfaction, and driving success in the automotive industry.

    With a commitment to today’s technologies, the continued electrification and future technology development, Rotor Clip continues to invest in product expansion to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry.

    For more information, please contact info@rotorclip.com or call +1.732.469.7333. rotorclip.com


    Author: Lane Persky • Chief Marketing Officer •

    Lane.Persky@rotorclip.com

  • EV Fasteners for Batteries

    Posted in Industry 4.0, Innovation on Feb 17, 2023

    EV-Batteries-Blog-Image.jpeg

    Alongside an estimated 6 million EV car shipments by the end of 2022, manufacturers find themselves tasked with developing ever-evolving battery technology. As range, heat and lightweighting concerns still pervade the market, manufacturers are completely rethinking the structure, design and makeup of their batteries.

    As of this year, some companies have found ways to build EV fuel cells into the car’s frame itself. Aiming to increase range and decrease cost, revolutionising the structure of the battery saves space for more fuel cells and makes for a roomier interior for passengers.

    Other businesses are focusing on SSBs, or solid-state batteries. Seen as a safer and more efficient option than their lithium-ion counterparts, some EV manufacturers are aiming to produce their SSBs for market introduction within the next five years. Aside from more established companies, many EV startups are also revolutionising the market, with one business boasting the development of a battery that charges in just a few minutes.

    It’s well known that the production of EV batteries is expensive, but heat and lightweighting issues are also hindering these business’ product optimisation. Range anxiety is also still a problem, but the best solution isn’t necessarily creating a bigger battery. Leading to what is known in the industry as the ‘weight spiral’, creating a bigger battery would require bigger brakes, bigger wheels, and a stronger structure. EVs also tend to be much heavier than their petrol or diesel counterparts, which can negatively impact their emission levels through tyre wear and even impinge on the car’s safety.

    Internal and external heat can also have a very negative impact on battery performance. An EV’s driving range can decrease by 17% in hot weather, and up to 41% in cold weather. Not only this, but studies have shown that the use of electric vehicles in hot weather can significantly decrease battery health, diminishing its lifetime.

    Both these issues contribute to customers’ potential range anxiety, rendering them apprehensive about investing in an electric vehicle. It’s crucial, then, that battery manufacturers prioritise solutions to their heat and lightweighting issues.

    How Optimas can help

    For all EV manufacturers, it’s important to use the correct, high-quality C-Class components and fasteners. EV fasteners may only account for 1% of your project budget, but they can make up nearly 50% of your product’s parts, so it’s important you choose the right ones.

    Here at Optimas, not only do we have an industry-leading product range, but we’re experts in all things EV. We know that with greater electrification, comes a greater need for insulation. To avoid depleting battery performance, it’s crucial that manufacturers prioritise thermal insulation in the initial design stage to avoid both internal over-heating and damage done by external conditions.

    Here are just a few products from our range of EV fasteners and C-Class Components that are ideal for providing insulation and eliminating unwanted thermal conductivity:

    • Nylon Machine Screws
    • Double Ended Studs with Hex Collar and Black Xylan Insulation
    • Braided Sleeving
    • Heat Shrink Tubing
    • Gland Plates

    The smallest parts can also have the biggest impact on weight. Even down to EV fasteners, it’s important you prioritise using light-weight materials at every opportunity. Using materials like aluminium, magnesium and titanium can massively reduce the weight of an EV battery. Not only this, but changing the geometry of a fastener can reduce weight by as much as 35%. At Optimas, we have a team of global fastener engineers who can work with you to improve your product’s performance.

    To find out more about products, or to speak to one of our experts, you can do so here. Partner with us to optimise your products and meet demand.


    Author: Optimas

  • LAMIERA 2023 AT FIERAMILANO RHO FROM 10 TO 13 MAY A GOOD TREND FOR THE APPLICATIONS TO EXHIBIT THE TRADE SHOW TO TAKE PLACE AGAIN IN ODD-NUMBERED YEARS

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fastener distribution, Fasteners manufacturers on Jan 09, 2023

    The collection of applications to exhibit is going on expeditiously for the next edition of LAMIERA, the international exhibition dedicated to sheet metal forming and cutting machines and related technologies, scheduled to take place at fieramilano Rho from 10 to 13 May 2023.

    Promoted by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the Italian machine tools, robots and automation systems manufacturers' association, and organised by CEU-CENTRO ESPOSIZIONI UCIMU, LAMIERA – the only trade show exclusively focused on the sector – will again take place in odd-numbered years.

    Considering the economic framework, which is still favourable despite some factors of uncertainty, LAMIERA is getting ready to receive positive feedback from the enterprises of the sector. Besides the foreign markets, they will have a very dynamic and receptive Italian market at their disposal, also thanks to the Government incentives in force until after 2023.

    After an extremely positive 2021, in the first six months of 2022, the Italian industry of the sector confirmed its growth trend, registering double-digit increases in the international trade data concerning the exchange of sheet metal forming and cutting machines.

    In particular, in the period January-June 2022, the world exports of sheet metal forming and cutting machine tools (laser, waterjet, plasma, etc.) reported a 12% upturn compared with the same period of 2021, totalling more than 8 billion euro. Worldwide imports also grew, by 16%, exceeding 6 billion euro. In this context, Italy highlighted highly satisfactory performances, confirming to be the second most important consumer market in the world in 2021 (latest available data).

    “Supported by the Government incentives 4.0, in effect for the whole year 2023 and afterwards - pointed out Alfredo Mariotti, general manager of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE - domestic demand will certainly reward the exhibitors participating in LAMIERA”.

    The organisation secretariat is observing a great attention to this event, given not only by the “habitués”, the usual exhibitors, representing all major segments in the repertoire, but also by new enterprises, as well as by companies that have decided to exhibit again at LAMIERA after years of absence.

    “Confirmations, new entries and returns - added Alfredo Mariotti – show how significant the interest is in this event, which, edition after edition, has been stabilising its position as the only trade fair of reference for the sector in Italy and improving its appeal even to foreign operators, thus strengthening its image worldwide”.

    Machines, systems, equipment for sheet metal processing and cutting, tubes, sections, wires, metal structural work, presses, dies and moulds, welding, surface treatments and finishing, parts, components, accessories, tooling, fastener materials, technical and industrial subcontracting are some of the “traditional” technologies on show.

    Besides the large offering of machinery, plants and equipment for sheet metal processing and cutting, tubes, sections, wires, metal structural work, the exhibition will focus on 6 technological themes that have an increasingly crucial impact on the sector today. FABBRICAFUTURA/FACTORY OF THE FUTURE, dedicated to software and technologies for connectivity, data management, automation, robotics and digital systems applied to sheet metal processing; SALDATECH, offering an overview of the wide and diversified world of welding, one of the most important sheet-metal joining technologies; FASTENER INDUSTRY, presenting a proposal of screws, bolts, fastening and clamping systems; WORLD OF HEAT AND SURFACE TREATMENTS, hosting machines, systems, accessories and consumables centred on pre- and post-production treatments, for ferrous and non-ferrous materials, offering a complete overview of this segment that is continuously developing; METROLOGY & TESTING, focused on testing, measuring and quality-control systems and machines, which are essential for production in this field; BLECH ITALY SERVICE, technical subcontracting and services for the industry of the sector.

    In addition, as usual, LAMIERA will propose a full programme of in-depth cultural, thematic meetings arranged by the organisers and the exhibitors. The meetings will be hosted at LAMIALAMIERA, a real arena that will be set up within one of the exhibition halls to facilitate a free participation of the present operators.

    The trade show will take place in partial conjunction with Made in Steel, the exhibition dedicated to the production chain of steel, which will be held in the halls next to those occupied by LAMIERA, thus enabling operators and journalists to visit the two separate but complementary events on one business trip.


    Claudia Mastrogiuseppe

    External Relations and Press Office Manager

    Email: press@ucimu.it


    Filippo Laonigro

    Technical Press Office

    Email: technical.press@ucimu.it


    Massimo Civello

    External Relations and Press Office

    Email: press2@ucimu.it

  • BUMAX supplies Flintec with fasteners for precision weighing

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Industry 4.0, Innovation on Nov 25, 2022

    Swedish specialist fastener manufacturer BUMAX has supplied its premium BUMAX 88 fasteners for one of Flintec’s most recent weighing modules to meet industry strength and reliability requirements as well as European standards.

    Flintec, a world-leading manufacturer of high quality, precision, weight measurement technologies, has chosen BUMAX as its supplier of premium fasteners for its latest load cells. The load cells are electro-mechanical sensors used to measure force or weight. They provide accurate and robust performance across a diverse range of applications – from automating car manufacturing to weighing shopping at the supermarket checkout. New types of load cells are continuously being designed to meet the needs of this ever-changing market.

    “When we designed the new 55-20 weighing module, BUMAX was able to meet all our demands for high strength fasteners to ensure performance and reliability,” said Klaus Fuchs, Engineering Manager at Flintec Germany. “The BUMAX 88 fasteners used in our 55-20 weighing module have proved to be highly reliable and we have had no issues to date. We are very likely to use BUMAX fasteners on future products, depending on the environmental and design specifications we have.”

    Flintec weighing module with BUMAX fasteners.jpg

    High strength, maintenance-free and durable

    Crucial properties of the BUMAX 88 stainless steel fastener are high strength, corrosion resistant, durable and maintenance free with a low temperature toughness.

    The Flintec 55-20 weighing module is a low-profile unit that enables customers to install load cells beneath the legs of their silos, tanks or other storage solutions. The built-in load cell offers a wide range of high precision weighing capacities from 7.5T through to 300T. The 55-20 is equipped with an integrated lift-off system and bump stops.

    The low temperature toughness of BUMAX® 88 is a crucial property for the 55-20 weighing module that helps to avoid breakages in low temperatures when conventional steel can become brittle. The module has an operating temperature range of between -40°C to 80°C.

    The enhanced properties of BUMAX 88 fasteners are achieved through a higher molybdenum content (minimum 2.5%), unique BUMAX manufacturing processes and the sourcing of the highest quality European steel.


    Author: Klaus Vogt

    BUMAX Development Manager – South Germany, Austria & Switzerland

    Telephone: +49 160 921 97 408

    Email: klaus.vogt@bufab.com

  • Green plugs made of natural resources

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Innovation, Sustainability on Aug 23, 2022

    fischer GreenLine

    Sustainability can also be practised in the field of fastenings, as demonstrated by an innovative product range by the fischer Group of Companies. fischer GreenLine plugs consist of at least 50 per cent renewable resources and are particularly low-emission. fischer GreenLine plugs are made of ecologically produced plastic and consist of at least 50 per cent renewable resources. This has been confirmed by the independent testing and certification body DIN CERTCO/TÜV Rhineland, which has classified the plugs in the BIOBASED 50-85% category. Castor oil made from the seed of the castor bean is used to produce the plastic components of fischer’s GreenLine fixing solutions. Tests examining the load level and long-term behaviour demonstrated that the green plug offers the same performance and load-bearing capacity as the grey classic. Six green plugs are currently available.

    With FIS GREEN, fischer offers an injection mortar with biobased components including materials with various functions: reactive resins, fillers, additives, plasticisers and thermoplastic polymers. Tests show that it achieves the same performance as the petrochemical-based original. DIN CERTCO confirms its composition of natural and renewable resources. The FIS GREEN has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) from the Institute of Construction and Environment (IBU) as a data basis for an ecological building assessment. The increased environmental health and improved occupational protection through the reduced emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) certify the product’s classification in the French A+ “very low in emissions” emission class.

    fischer demonstrates further responsibility for people and planet. The fischer ProcessSystem, which prevents waste, makes a daily contribution to sustainability across the entire company. To honour its commitment in this field the fischer Group of Companies was presented with the German Sustainability Award 2020 in the large businesses category. In addition to its GreenLine, the fixing specialist offers additional sustainable fastening innovations such as its hazard-label free injection mortar FIS V Zero. The innovative formula of the label-free universal mortar guarantees user-friendly and secure use with environmentally friendly application and disposal. The FIS V Zero also fulfils the highest requirements in maintaining clean indoor air quality to the benefit of inhabitants and people using the building.


    fischer-press-release-GreenLine-Image-1.jpg

    As the winner of the German Sustainability Award 2020, the fixing expert fischer offers low-emission and environmentally friendly fastening innovations such as the fischer GreenLine, which consists of at least 50 per cent renewable resources.

    fischer-press-release-GreenLine-Image-2.jpg

    Castor oil made from the seed of the castor bean is used to produce the plastic components of fischer’s GreenLine fixing solutions. These materials do not compete with food and fodder or their respective crop areas.

    fischer-press-release-GreenLine-Image-3.jpg

    Six green fischer plugs are currently available: UX Green for universal applications, SX Green with 4-way expansion, GK Green for plasterboard, the hammerfix N Green, GB Green for a particularly good hold in aerated concrete and FID Green for thermal bridge-free installation in insulation materials.


    Author: Katharina Siegel-Rieck

    Press Relations Officer

  • EFC International Partners with Research Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc. (REMINC)

    Posted in Fastener distribution, Industry 4.0, Innovation, Manufacturing technology on May 18, 2022

    EFC International is pleased to announce its expanded focus on the world-wide distribution of genuine parts made by Research Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc. (REMINC) Authorized Licensees. EFC’s team of application engineers support customers with advanced engineering assistance, direct factory relationships and rapid prototype solutions, as well as extensive value analysis and value engineering services. Matt Dudenhoeffer, President and CEO of EFC, states, “EFC, REMINC and REMINC’s Licensees look forward to this partnership knowing that end-users will benefit from our combined strengths.”

    REMINC’s Licensed products include best-in-class fastener brands, including the TAPTITE® family of thread-forming screws. TAPTITE® screws, primarily for metal applications, deliver increased performance and cost savings. They remove the costly labor, solvents, and time required for the thread tapping process in manufacture, as well as any external hex nuts, lock washers and related hardware required for assembly. TAPTITE® fasteners optimize metal-to-metal contact in assemblies, significantly improving their electrical grounding performance vs conventional machine screws. This performance makes TAPTITE® fasteners the industry leading choice for electrical grounding applications in the global automotive and EV industries. TAPTITE® fasteners also partner exceptionally well with lightweight alloys, making them a perfect fastener selection for the energy efficient vehicles of the future.

    Steve Kirkpatrick, President of REMINC, states, “Genuine quality parts with global availability are the backbone of REMINC’s business, and this mission dovetails perfectly with EFC’s commitment to the distribution of authentic, quality parts globally.” REMINC, together with its sister company CONTI Fasteners AG, has a global Licensee network with over 100 manufacturing locations worldwide.

    reminc-logo.png


    Author: EFC International

  • How to prevent premature fastener failures with heat treatment

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Industry 4.0, Innovation, Manufacturing technology on May 18, 2022

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    Quality control of safety-critical parts

    Heat treatment is very important for automotive safety fasteners. It’s a delicate process which could be monitored by the modern Industry 4.0 technologies but still requires a final 100% analysis of each part before the shipment, in order to fulfill the automotive supply chain requirements.

    Heat Treatment Control is surely a kind of NDT (Non Destructive Testing) inspection on which Dimac invested important R&D energies during the past 3 years, reaching nowadays outstanding performances in terms of sorting rate and inspection accuracy.

    Partnering with the most important NDT device manufacturers for the HT detection, Dimac has renewed all the machines of the range with state of the art NDT Stations capable to perform this crucial control with the highest accuracy and productivity rate.

    The eddy current station scans the part by mean of 24 different frequencies to detect any minimum variation of the material structure, as well as to detect plating and surface coating problems in order to prevent any premature fastener failures.

    This type of control is mandatory for safety-critical parts belonging to the Power Train or to the brake system, or any application where fasteners are subject to constant vibration or exposed to corrosion.

    The man-machine interface of the Dimac application for HT detection is really user-friendly. The setup is intuitive, thanks to the multi frequency testing process made simple by a wizard procedure which easily recognizes and sort out any fastener with deviations from the expected signal envelope.

    A clear saving of time and costs

    The brand new generation glass rotary table machine Dimac mcv6 is the model getting more benefits – together with the best seller model mcv5 – from the application of the HT NDT technology in terms of savings of time and costs. The innovative eddy current station allows to sort a wide range of complex parts by hardness classes with high output rates.

    The HT station of the Dimac mcv5 and mcv6 uses two state of the art eddy current coil-probes: a reference probe at the operator’s workplace and a testing probe which is positioned above the glass table. The system provides instant results while running, allowing to process up to 300 parts/minute.

    The setup procedure is based on a teach-in process and requires boundary OK and NOK samples available at the operator’s place.

    The setup sequence could be summarized as follows:

    • the operator puts one OK sample into the reference coil-probe;
    • the eddy current device detects the magnetic permeability of that OK sample;
    • the operator enables the wizard procedure to record the reference data from the reference-coil probe;
    • the batch of parts to be sorted can be put in the feeding system;
    • the operator runs the sorting of a first quantity of 20÷30 pieces to teach-in the response of the testing-coil, then the machine is stopped;
    • the eddy current device compares the OK part reference data with the signal generated by the passage of the 30 pieces below the testing coil;
    • the wizard procedure and its algorithm calculate the envelope of the taught-in signals and sets automatically the sorting threshold values;
    • nothing else to do for the operator, he just has to press the START CYCLE button and run the sorting machine;

    however, the system allows the operator to adjust the threshold and improve the accuracy of the setup in case of need.

    The new concept cuts the time and costs of the 100% sorting process by making the operators’ tasks far more efficient, as well as by expediting the quality management job.


    Author: Dimac

  • Bulten signs FSP contract with clear sustainable objectives

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Industry 4.0, Sustainability on Jan 21, 2022

    Bulten has signed an FSP (Full Service Provider) contract regarding the supply of fasteners to a new European vehicle program for a global automotive manufacturer, which also is an existing customer of the company. The contract value is approximately SEK 100 million annually at full capacity.

    One decisive reason why Bulten was awarded the contract is the company’s distinct sustainability offer. Besides deliveries of fasteners, the contract also entails a close collaboration between the parties to reduce environmental impact in the value chain. This means Bulten will commit to a number of environmental targets during the contract period, with the aim of supporting the automotive manufacturer’s overall sustainability objectives. The targets will be set jointly by both parties and monitored on a regular basis.

    “Of course we are delighted to once again be appointed FSP supplier to an existing customer. It shows that our performance is valued. However, I am particularly proud that we are awarded business based on sustainability, and that we now have a tangible collaboration with a customer to reduce environmental impact. It is a true milestone, and we know that sustainability will be increasingly important to our customers when they choose suppliers,” says Anders Nyström, President and CEO of Bulten.

    Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2023, and to reach full capacity in 2025. The new European vehicle program has an expected lifecycle of ten years.


    For further information, please contact:

    Ulrika Hultgren, SVP Corporate Communications & IR, +46 727-47 17 58, ulrika.hultgren@bulten.com


    Author: Ulrika Hultgren