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  • Blechexpo/Schweisstec 2023: Full House, Packed Programme!

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fasteners manufacturers on Jun 12, 2023

    Seven months until the renowned industry highlight takes place: together with the 9th Schweisstec international trade fair for joining technology, the 16th Blechexpo international trade fair for sheet metal working will serve as the meeting place for global players in the field of sheet metal working from the 7th through the 10th of November, 2023. Nine halls are fully booked out at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre. The trade fair duo presents complete process sequences for modern, future-proof sheet metal processing, and is thus highly acclaimed amongst the experts. An impressive supplementary programme including the presentation of the “best Award 2023”, the “Blechexpo Steel Convention 2023”, the “futureSteel” congress and the expert forum rounds out the trade fair’s offerings.

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    As project manager of the renowned trade fair duo, Georg Knauer reports that nine exhibition halls are fully booked out for Blechexpo/Schweisstec 2023. “Tremendous interest in the exhibition, strong dynamics within the industry sector and important future issues,” is how Knauer sums up the current mood. “On the whole it can be observed that process automation is being driven further and further in the field of sheet metal working,” explains the project manager. “Methods based on data-driven, artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning are being exploited to an ever greater extent in production operations in order to optimise processes and, as a result, reduce lead times. Efficient sheet metal processing necessitates flexible machine tools, modern software and virtual simulation. These issues will be addressed intensively at the trade fair. The challenge is sustainability, and in the field of sheet metal processing this means optimum workpiece utilisation and the avoidance of wasted material.

    Efficient Production Processes, Efficient Trade Fair Visit

    The range of topics covered by Blechexpo/Schweisstec includes efficient process technologies for modern laser technology, fully automated robotic sheet metal processing machines, precision tools and systems for punching, bending, braking and forming, as well as innovative micro-waterjet cutting technologies. Not least of all, the current shortage of qualified production personnel is fuelling further automation across the board, for example in materials handling and machine operation. Planning, implementation and analysis of production processes are becoming more efficient thanks to advancing integration of production data. “Expert visitors at Blechexpo/Schweisstec experience the entire process chain for sheet metal working,” emphasises Georg Knauer. “Suppliers and investment decision-makers meet on an equal footing with direct practical relevance in a working atmosphere.” The international expert audience can plan an issue-oriented trade fair visit, because the arrangement of the nine halls is structured in a differentiated manner: sheet metal, pipe and profile processing will be located in halls 1, 3, 5 and 9. Halls 4 and 6 are reserved for stamping technologies. Cutting, joining and fastening technologies will be presented in hall 7. Hall 8 will focus on pressing and forming technologies. Finally, the issues of steel and metal services, as well as surface finishing technology, will be addressed in hall 10.

    Enter Your Submission Now for the “best Award 2023”!

    Blechexpo/Schweisstec will feature a world-class, highly interesting supplementary programme once again this year including the “best Award 2023”, which will be presented for the sixth time in cooperation with trade journals Blechnet and MM Maschinenmarkt. The organisers have specified five submission categories analogous to the themes assigned to the exhibition halls, so that applicants can find the most suitable area for their innovations. Exhibitors can submit their entries to www.blechnet.com or www.maschinenmarkt-awards.de/blechexpo. The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2023. An expert jury with renowned representatives from the industry sector will select the winners, who will receive their “best Award” within the framework of a festive event on the afternoon of the first day of the trade fair. “Blechexpo/Schweisstec, and above all the “best Award 2023”, will once again showcase lots of innovations and solutions for digitalisation, sustainability and health protection this year,” hopes jury member Stefanie Wiesner, managing director of the Industrial Division of the German Electric Welding Equipment Association. Jury member Florian Kellner, production engineering designer at Siemens’ equipment manufacturing facility in Amberg, Germany, is also looking forward to the submissions: “The award is brilliant in my opinion because inventive talent and know-how are regarded comprehensively and provided with a suitable stage. We can expect technological highlights in the form of future-oriented solutions that link the digital world to the real world in terms of Industry 4.0. The award is ideally situated within the context of Blechexpo/Schweisstec, because the trade fair offers a major, highly diverse international platform for innovations.”

    Lots of Additional Highlights in the Supplementary Programme

    The “Blechexpo Stahl Convention 2023” will take place in the forum area in hall 10 at noon on the first day of the trade fair. It will focus attention on “Challenges in the Steel Markets in 2023”. The convention will be organised by the Stahl-Kommunikation Agency. A “futureSteel” congress is in preparation for the second day of the trade fair in cooperation with Marketsteel Media from Düsseldorf. The daily exhibitor forum will also be a popular meeting place this year – the world-class knowledge platform will provide expert visitors with a broad range of comprehensive information: presentations will be held by the European Sheet Metal Research Association (EFB) dealing with “Sustainable and Digital Future Production: Strategies for Joining – Forming – Sheet Metal Working Methods within the EFB Network”. Contributions from the Sheet Metal Forming Industry Association (IBU) are in preparation which will address “Challenges in Forming Technology”. Last but not least, Schweisstec Day, organised by the ZVEI Technical Association for Electric Welding Equipment, will be held again this year, where expert visitors will receive a comprehensive knowledge update.


    Author: BLECHEXPO

  • From Components to Complete Systems

    Posted in Fairs and exhibitions, Fasteners manufacturers on Jun 09, 2023

    Industry players from industrial manufacturing will meet at the traditional trade fair highlight in Stuttgart, namely Motek/Bondexpo, from the 10th through the 13th of October, 2023. Together with the 16th Bondexpo international trade fair for bonding technology, the 41st Motek international trade fair for automation in production and assembly looks at production as an overall concept – from components to complete systems. Motek/Bondexpo provides manufacturing companies with practical, implementable solutions for current and future challenges.

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    Managing directors, investment decision-makers, purchasing agents, factory outfitters, developers, engineers and designers from industrial practice hold Motek/Bondexpo in high esteem as a proven and indispensable event every autumn. “Because they’re looking for concrete, practical solutions to improve their processes and make them more economical, and they find them at Motek/Bondexpo,” emphasises Rainer Bachert, project manager at trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “Exhibitors and expert visitors alike take advantage of the unique selling point of this trade fair – the portrayal of complete processes in industrial production. Its practical, pragmatic approach and concrete, implementable solutions have been convincing trade fair visitors for decades,” says Bachert.

    Thematic Relevance and a Reliable Trade Fair Concept

    Motek/Bondexpo is an indisputably unique platform for investment decisions regarding systems planning, process engineering and the sustainability of all processes, because it’s grounded in reality. “For suppliers as well as users, efficiency, sustainability and flexibility are existentially important parameters for success in production,” points out the project manager. “International crises, climate change, the energy transition, geopolitical upheavals, rising costs and the shortage of qualified personnel have a decisive impact on economic and social events,” summarises Bachert. “Manufacturing companies need concrete, workable support in this regard so that they can remain competitive. As a proven working trade fair, Motek/Bondexpo demonstrates how they can easily get started with the automation and digitalisation of products and processes. It presents ergonomic and age-appropriate workstations and supports the simplification and optimisation of all processes,” stresses Bachert.

    The range of topics covered by Motek/Bondexpo provides manufacturing companies with everything they need to cope with the tremendous challenges they’re facing today – for example, networked, intelligent production components such as grippers with sensors, handling systems, handling solutions, intelligent screwdriving technology, smart linear technology, mechatronic systems, smart drives and feed components. Assembly assistance systems are also amongst the core issues dealt with at Motek/Bondexpo, i.e. systems for manual and semi-automatic workstations, for assisted assembly and order picking, robot-based bin picking, co-working with cobots, automated parts staging and automated parts discharge. Finally, solutions for easy implementation and initial start-up are also covered at Motek such as simulation by means of digital twins, plug & play solutions and starter kits.

    Smart, Networked Products for Feeding, Handling and Assembly

    Getting started easily with automation, improved processes for energy-efficient and resource-saving production, as well as digitalised, easy-to-use production components are urgently required by many companies now. “Software is playing an increasingly important role in this regard,” explains project manager Bachert, “because software-supported processes and modern assistance systems are a big advantage in terms of ergonomics, flexibility and resource conservation.” AI methods (artificial intelligence) are being used to an ever-greater extent and are supporting production, for example with regard to zero-defects manufacturing.

    In customary fashion, suppliers and users will discuss the issues with each other in person and on an equal footing at Motek/Bondexpo 2023, in order to be able to produce even more economically and sustainably. “Together with the fully integrated Bondexpo trade fair, Motek will once again offer a proven platform for decision-makers to update their plans by means of a professional exchange of ideas,” says Bettina Schall, managing director of trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “Motek/Bondexpo unites pragmatism, practicality and future viability. It’s solution-oriented and portrays the entire value creation chain in industrial manufacturing, thus making it truly unique.” And that’s why the 41st Motek and the 16th Bondexpo are firmly scheduled as the industry highlight for modern production automation: industry players will meet in Stuttgart from the 10th through the 13th of October, 2023.


    Author: MOTEK

  • The ideal cast for a supporting role in timber construction

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Industry 4.0, Innovation on Jun 05, 2023

    fischer’s Power-Full II full-thread screw

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    The fischer Group of Companies is launching the latest generation of Power-Full II full-thread screws. These wood screws are ideal for permanently and securely connecting or reinforcing supporting wood constructions. They also offer the advantage of easy and efficient installation as an economical pro solution for challenging fastening requirements in timber construction. Main and secondary beam connections, false beam edges, shear tension bracings or shear connections - PowerFull II always proves to be the ideal choice whenever timber connections or reinforcements are subjected to particularly high requirements. The latest generation of fischer wood screws has a European Technical Assessment (ETA-21/0751) that already covers several updates and the state of the art of the future Eurocode 5 on the design and construction of timber structures. The new ETA of fischer’s full-thread screws is more user-friendly than the previous version, with significantly more comprehensive and structured content.

    Compared to its renowned predecessor, fischer has optimised its full-thread screw even further. For instance, as an alternative to the effective screw-in depth of the screw thread, this screw-in depth can be applied without considering the length of the screw tip by calculation, but with a significantly increased pullout parameter. This allows the pullout load capacity or tensile strength to be increased by up to 60%.

    Screw tip and thread geometry make installation easier

    One of the special features is the screw geometry developed by fischer. It significantly improves the pullout load capacity, while the higher thread pitch reduces the screw-in torque for simple and easy installation. Its unique core-milling geometry enables low edge and axial spacing and high loads without any pre-drilling. The special tip geometry makes it easy to place and insert while reducing the splitting behaviour in the base. The needlepoint even allows the screw to be placed and inserted with ease under extreme conditions such as slanted screw connections. The PowerFull II version with a cylinder head is ideal for wood on wood connections. Additional mill pockets allow the head to be neatly countersunk deep into the wood using a long bit. The countersunk head variant with mill pockets below the head is ideal for fastening steel parts to wood, preventing fixtures from being damaged by reaming.

    PowerFull II in a 10 mm diameter: Pre-drill effect included

    fischer offers the 10 mm-diameter PowerFull II for applications such as lateral pressure reinforcements on bearings, main and secondary beam connections, false beam edges or reinforcements on notched bearings. The screw’s geometry also differs between the available diameters of 6 and 8 mm. It has a drill tip that creates a pre-drilling effect without causing the long screws to slip, reducing the risk of splitting the wood and lowering the turning torque, for simple, quick and safe installation.

    Other highlights of fischer’s screw range

    fischer’s Power-Fast and Power-Full wood screws are suitable for almost any fixing task of carpenters, joiners and timber construction specialists. Different versions with various drives, heads, thread and material variants and sizes were specially designed to process wood in all its shapes and sizes, utilising the material to the fullest extent. Screw tips and thread geometries tailored to fastening projects make installation quicker and easier, allowing processing in soft and solid woods without pre-drilling in accordance with the ETA. This requires minimum time, effort and battery power. The ETA also regulates the alternative use of tangential impact screw drivers. The screws additionally enable gap-free and non-splintering installation close to the edge. fischer’s chipboard screw Power-Fast II can be used for all types of wood on wood and metal on wood connections as well as in fischer plastic plugs with verified loads. The new adjusting screw FAFS meanwhile is ideal for the infinitely adjustable installation of wood slats or frames on timber substructures. Safe designs with fischer WOOD-FIX

    The WOOD-FIX module in fischer’s free FiXperience design software allows planners and processors to create and print verifiable proof for any applications and projects with PowerFull II and other fischer screws. In addition to its simple and intuitive interface, the programme offers a clear 2D or 3D display as well as automatic error recognition if incorrect geometric limiting conditions are entered. The designs are carried out in accordance with the European Technical Assessment (ETA) or DIN EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode EC5), including a free choice of national application documents (NAD).


    Author: Katharina Hollaus

    Press Relations Officer Sustainability

    Telephone: +49 7443 12 – 6653

    Email: Katharina.Hollaus@fischer.de

  • General Inspection exhibited their newest single piece inspection machine at Fastener Fair USA in Nashville, TN.

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Hardware, Industry 4.0, Innovation on May 25, 2023

    VisionLab is so versatile it can be used for first piece inspection, SPC sampling, final audits or it can be used for 100% inspection using pick and place automation. VisionLab measures all profile characteristics, it is the only true 3-Dimensional gauging system that provides complete part measurements in less than 7 seconds.

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    The system can measure all profile features including pertinent GD&T characteristics, as well as all thread features using patented optics and software algorithms that use virtual system-22 thread wireframes. An integrated thread database provides point and click programming. Optional slewing optics automatically tilt for an enhanced view into the radius of the threads to measure root radii and pitch diameter.

    Additional options include end-view inspection, surface control and upper tooling with a bit kit. End View is used for measurement and defect detection on both ends of parts. Measurements for features such as: recesses, inner/outer diameters, through holes and counterbores. Defect detection includes cracks, dents, scratches, and plating variations. Optional surface control is used to detect surface defects, such as bad plating, thread patch presence and quality, as well as measure knurling width, gap, and height. Finally, upper tooling and a bit kit are available for uneven parts or parts with a recess drive. VisionLab provides comprehensive data reports and graphs with data collection that can be exported to 3rd party SPC packages.

    With Windows based software VisionLab is easy to program. Templates are saved by part number and then recalled for instant inspection. VisionLab is the ideal solution for measuring and inspecting turned components and is intended to be in the lab or on the shop floor so that it can be fully utilized replacing manual inspection. Three models are available; VisionLab-75, VisionLab-150 and VisionLab-X. The VisionLab-75 can handle parts up to 75mm length and up to 35mm diameter. The VisionLab-150 can handle parts up to 150mm length and 50mm diameter. For larger sizes the VisionLab-X can be custom designed to fit most applications. If you were unable to attend Fastener Fair USA, General Inspection offers live online demonstrations, to schedule a VisionLab demonstration email info@geninsp.com or call 248-625-0529.


    Author: General Inspection

  • 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

  • fischer launches a world first in construction monitoring

    Posted in Fasteners manufacturers, Industry 4.0, Innovation, Sustainability on Nov 22, 2022

    Intelligent safety monitoring

    fischer is the world’s first company in fastening technology to offer an intelligent and integrated monitoring solution for constructions and facilities. The solution increases the overall flow of information, service life, sustainability and safety of constructions and facilities while ensuring higher maintenance efficiency.

    The sensor-integrated fixing products SensorAnchor and SensorDisc provide users with a time and resource-saving method to identify current acting forces in fastenings. The products transfer the wireless data to the Construction Monitoring module of the myfischer portal, allowing the information to be accessed via web applications on a tablet, PC or laptop or on a smartphone with the construction site-friendly fischer PRO ap.

    Secure connections, intelligent interconnection Thanks to intelligent force monitoring of fastenings, threshold violations and problems can be identified early on in order to take measures, significantly increasing the level of safety. The flow of information reduces the level of complexity, increasing the efficiency of maintaining constructions and facilities. Maintenance intervals are either extended or avoided entirely. The service life of constructions and facilities is extended, which simultaneously increases sustainability.

    SensorAnchor: Monitor forces from a distance A secure anchorage must be guaranteed for countless applications, including rollercoaster support legs, scaffolds and other steel structures, industrial robots anchored to the floor or suspended ventilation systems and other installations in tunnel construction. Additional applications include noise barriers, climbing formwork on high-rise constructions, seismic bracing, high-voltage power line fixings and much more. fischer’s new SensorAnchor enables the permanent and intelligent monitoring of the absolute values of a fixing’s preload and operational forces.

    The product consists of an anchor rod with an integrated sensor that allows forces to be measured directly in the fastening (flux). In order to read the measured values, the SensorAnchor is continuously connected to the battery or mains-powered SensorGateway, which transfers the encrypted data to the fischer cloud in a defined cycle through a wireless standard developed specifically for the Internet of Things (NB-IoT).

    Preload and operational forces are continuously monitored in real time and sent to the Construction Monitoring software application. In order to read the current measurement, the SensorGateway that requires checking is simply accessed via the app before the connected anchor is selected. If the defined force exceeds or falls below the threshold values, a push notification is immediately sent to the smartphone or browser.

    The SensorAnchor is made of highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel and is available in all sizes of M16 and above. Up to four anchors can be monitored per gateway. IP67 protection for the electronics in addition to the shock and impact-resistant Gateway housing provide additional safety during construction and industrial applications.

    SensorDisc: Scan forces with a smartphone In addition to the SensorAnchor, fischer is also launching its SensorDisc, a washer for the long-term monitoring of preload force levels of standard screw connections. The measurement is provided at the time of the reading. In order to enable monitoring, the product made of highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel is equipped with a measurement and readout sensor as well as an antenna. No additional hardware is required. The measured value is the preload level percentage in relation to the installation state.

    Data is transferred using contactless technology and can be accessed via the fischer PRO app using a standard smartphone. The SensorDisc can be used for years thanks to its battery-free, fully passive electronics. Energy is generated via the electric field produced by the reading device and is used to supply the system. If the SensorDisc is touched with a smartphone, this transfers the energy field to the disc, which is then used to measure the current force in the screw connection and report the measured value back to the mobile device. In order to see the remaining percentage of the original preload force, the SensorDisc simply has to be selected and scanned using the PRO app. The disc only needs to be tapped with a standard smartphone to be scanned and can be repeatedly loosened, disassembled and reused in another location.

    The washer is available in sizes M16 and above with no upper limit. SensorDisc applications include wind turbines, crane runways, concrete formwork and flange joints on pipe systems, such as on process engineering or petrochemical production plants.

    Further information can be found at: www.fischer.de/construction-monitoring

    Image captions:

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    The Internet of Things is advancing into fixing technology: The fischer Group of Companies is pushing construction monitoring forward with intelligent, connected fastening products and the fischer Construction Monitoring software solution.

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    fischer is connecting fastening technology with intelligent measuring systems with a world first, made possible thanks to the SensorAnchor and SensorDisc combined with fischer Construction Monitoring.

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    fischer is connecting fastening technology with intelligent measuring systems with a world first, made possible thanks to the SensorAnchor and SensorDisc combined with fischer Construction Monitoring.

    page5_image1.jpg Image 4

    Sensor-integrated fischer fixing products and fischer Construction Monitoring allow fixings to be efficiently monitored, make acting forces in constructions and facilities transparent, improve safety through early damage detection and result in minimal maintenance requirements thanks to planning. Applications include wind turbine facilities and much more.

    page5_image2.jpg Image 5

    Sensor-integrated fischer fixing products and fischer Construction Monitoring allow fixings to be efficiently monitored, make acting forces in constructions and facilities transparent, improve safety through early damage detection and result in minimal maintenance requirements thanks to planning. Applications include wind turbine facilities and much more.

    page6_image1.jpg Image 6

    SensorAnchor: The innovation enables precise measurement and monitoring from a distance.

    page6_image2.jpg Image 7

    SensorDisc: The SensorDisc simply has to be selected and scanned using the fischer PRO app in order to check the acting forces in a fastening.

    page7_image1.jpg Image 8

    QR code for the fischer Construction Monitoring landing page.


    Author: Katharina Maria Siegel-Rieck

    Press Relations Office fischer fixing systems

    Telephone: +49 7443 12 – 4217

    Email: KatharinaMaria.Siegel-Rieck@fischer.de

  • INVENTORY OPTIMIZATION, OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

    Posted in Industry 4.0, Innovation, Sustainability on Sep 30, 2022

    VMI: Productivity and Cost Reduction

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    In a time of increasing supply chain instability and rising inflation, it’s crucial for businesses to reduce their spending and maximise efficiency. One way to do so is through the use of a VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory). The last few years have seen an increase in the popularity of VMIs, as businesses seek to reduce their number of suppliers and instead opt for streamlined and cost-effective organisation.

    As manufacturers ourselves, we’re constantly looking for improvements to our production process, so we understand the position our partners are in.

    What are the key benefits of Vendor Managed Inventory?

    A VMI ensures products are delivered to the right place at the right time through improved data visibility, resulting in improved productivity in addition to:

    Cost Reduction

    Current financial instability means that businesses are having to reassess their outgoings, and there are numerous financial benefits of using a VMI. Firstly, it reduces manpower needed by your business. In a supply chain, the parts themselves make up only 15% of the cost, while the human resources required to select, manage and process those parts cost 85%.

    In addition, using a VMI can simplify and reduce the cost of the ordering process, all while reducing your TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), as the vendor assumes the cost and associated risk of managing your supply chain. Partnering with a single vendor also diminishes possible excess spending by collating your parts into a single, automated order.

    Streamlined Production

    The current political climate is buckling global supply chains, so it’s more important than ever for businesses to control their stock levels and avoid waste. VMIs use various advanced technologies to automate both simple and complex processes, removing costly and unnecessary steps.

    A VMI service provider can also source products for you, from a diverse range of suppliers. Some experts suggest that the cost for a business to add in just ten extra suppliers every five years is more than $1 million, but a VMI handles that for you. Each part is then ordered, delivered, stored and replenished automatically, as and when you need it.

    Types of VMIs at Optimas

    Optimas has numerous VMI solutions for your business. Our systems use the latest technology to automate inventory replenishment, ensuring productivity and saving you money.

    JIT Systems

    Our JIT systems provide a secure, cloud-based platform that processes orders from any OptiTech VMI solution and allows you to access customised, real-time reports for greater transparency into your fastener inventory and consumption data.

    OptiScale

    OptiScale uses the latest weighing technology to measure your inventory status in real-time, down to the part level quality in a bin. Embedded sensors monitor the weight capacity, automatically triggering orders based on pre-defined min/max levels and reorder/unit pack sizes. Stock levels can be accessed 24/7, and OptiScale can be configured into a bin, shelf or container.

    OptiRack

    OptiRack uses advanced RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology to automate inventory replenishment. When an empty bin is placed on an RFID mat on the rack shelf, it detects the chip embedded in the bin label, and wirelessly triggers an order. OptiRack can be set up in any designated area, whether it be a supermarket, area rack or at the point of use.

    OptiZone

    OptiZone uses advanced RFID technology to automate inventory replenishment. An RFID antenna points to a designated area, a pallet, cage, gaylord container or bulk area. When an empty bin is placed in that area, the antenna detects the RFID chip embedded in the bin label and then wirelessly triggers an order.

    OptiDrop

    OptiDrop uses RFID technology to automate inventory replenishment, but does so by scanning a unique card with an RFID embedded chip in a bin. When the bin is empty or low, simply remove the card and replace it inside the OptiDrop box to wirelessly trigger an order. OptiDrop can be placed at any location inside the plant.

    OptiBeam

    OptiBeam uses the latest scanning and barcode technology for easy inventory replenishment. Our cellular-enabled scanners allow both Optimas the customer to check inventory levels and send orders instantly. The scanner includes auditing software so you can search parts, validate bin location and set optimal reorder/unit pack sizes.

    Here at Optimas, we’re dedicated to efficient inventory management, and we’d be as invested in your success as you are. To find out more about our VMI solutions, or to speak to one of our experts, you can do so here. Consider working with us to lower your costs and streamline your supply chain.


    Author: International Optimas


  • The new ERP management software of Fastdev is on the home stretch

    Posted in Industry 4.0, SAP and CRM systems on Jul 24, 2020

    We are currently in a standstill and stagnation period, not only in Italy, but all over the world: struggling economies, large quantities of goods to be delivered and strict containment measures are the main consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic...

  • EFC International Launches Power BI

    Posted in Fastener distribution, Fastener suppliers, SAP and CRM systems on Oct 18, 2019

    Engineered fastener and components distributor, EFC International, has implemented the advanced Power BI system (from Microsoft), linked to...