EuroFasteners-January-2025

ISSN: 2633-9706 print

ISSN: 2633-9714 online

REDRAW ROD

WIRE

BAR STOCK

Beneke Wire Company is a supplier of aluminium wire and redraw rod to the cold heading fastener industry serving aerospace, automotive, marine, general construction, sporting goods and apparel industries to mention a few.

Beneke Wire Company is a family owned and operated fourth generation aluminium mill celebrating its 57th anniversary in 2025.

Beneke takes pride in delivering a value package to their customers that combines quality, consistency, on-time delivery and unsurpassed customer service. Beneke has an exceptional team of metallurgists and engineers that offer excellent support to their customers. It’s “Better By Beneke” for a reason, come experience it for yourself.

Specialty Aluminium Wire

5540 National Turnpike / Louisville, KY 40214 USA Tel: +1 502-367-6434 / www.benekewire.com ISO 9001:2015

Actual Customers’ Products Manufactured with Beneke Wire

Diary of events

Contents January 2025

11-13 February 2025 wire Mexico Trade exhibition Monterrey, Mexico Organisers: Messe Düsseldorf North America https://wire-tube-mexico.com 4-6 March 2025 AMI Cables Trade exhibition Düsseldorf, Germany Organisers: Applied Market Information www.ami-events.com

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Corporate News

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Products

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11-14 March 2025 Global Industrie Trade exhibition Lyon, France Organisers: GL Events www.global-industrie.com 25-27 March 2025 Fastener Fair Global Trade exhibition Stuttgart, Germany Organisers: Messe Stuttgart www.fastenerfairglobal.com

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9-12 April 2025 wire Eurasia Trade exhibition Istabul, Turkey

Organisers: Tüyap Fairs And Exhibitions Organization Inc. in cooperation with Messe Düsseldorf www.wire-eurasia.com 6-9 May 2025 Lamiera Trade exhibition Milan, Italy Organisers: CEU-Centro Esposizioni Ucimu SpA www.lamiera.net

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6-8 May 2025 Made In Steel Trade exhibition Milan, Italy Organisers: Siderweb SpA www.madeinsteel.it

Shows correct at time of publication, please check to ensure the event is going ahead

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Corporate News

Transatlantic sales success with CASMI appearance

One of the wire sector’s transatlantic partnerships has completed another record-breaking year with an appearance at CASMI’s SpringWorld 2024 show. Alloy Wire International (AWI), which has manufacturing facilities in the UK’s West Midlands and Yorkshire, sent more than $4.6mn of round, flat and profile wire to customers in North America over the course of the year. The company has built a strategic relationship with Davidon Alloys, which has been showcasing its range of exotic alloys to clients involved in oil and gas, automotive and space. Demand appears to be growing, with hundreds of visitors to SpringWorld heading to the AWI stand to discuss new technical requirements and applications. This was the fourteenth time the companies have exhibited together, and was one of their busiest shows to date. AWI sales executive Oliver Smith commented, “Our partnership works really well, as we share similar values of manufacturing quality, unrivalled delivery times and exceptional customer service. By working together, we now supply more than $4.6mn of wire to customers in this territory every year – the best performance in our history. “The biggest highlight of CASMI is meeting so many contacts under one roof – whilst we love visiting factories and seeing the action up close, it would

(From left) Andrew Du Plessis (AWI); Davidon Alloys’ Michelle Nichols, Steve Gencarella and Joseph D’Addese; and Oliver Smith (AWI)

take us years to go around the amount of people we see in those three days.” 2024 marked the 65 th anniversary of SpringWorld, which was set up by the Chicago Association of Spring Manufacturers Inc to bring spring related businesspeople together in one place. The 2024 show introduced a new element, with the Spring Manufacturers Institute hosting symposiums, giving thousands of delegates access to business and technical content across 24 educational sessions. Andrew du Plessis, technical director at AWI, said, “As you would imagine, the technical sessions were a big highlight for me and reinforced that a lot of what we are doing with our R&D and materials is at the cutting-edge of the sector. There

were also some interesting new trends that I’ll take back to the UK to see if we can take a specific Alloy Wire approach to them. From talking to clients, there’s a definite increase in the number who are more conscious of sustainable practices and reductions in waste – two areas we can certainly help them with.” Davidon Alloys’ Michelle Nichols added, “It’s always great to have the UK guys over and spend time in their company, soaking up the latest developments from AWI. I know from chatting to our US customers that they really appreciate in-depth, face-to-face technical conversa tions with the team from the factory.” Alloy Wire International www.alloywire.com teners in a variety of grades that provide safety and reliability in demanding ap plications. Customers include companies in industries such as marine, automotive, oil and gas, chemical processing, energy, defence, pulp and paper, construction and general engineering. The company is headquartered in Åshammar in Sweden’s steel district, and has a global footprint with offices or distributors in more than 30 countries on four continents. Bumax AB www.bumax-fasteners.com

New managing director for fastener specialist Martin Dahlgren is now managing direc tor for Bumax of Sweden, a manufacturer of premium stainless steel fasteners. holds a degree from Chalmers University of Technology, with further studies at London Business School and China Europe International Business School.

Mr Dahlgren has more than 20 years of experience from roles in management, sales, strategy, business development and international business with several global manufacturing companies. He joins Bumax from motion technology group Schaeffler, where he was head of linear motion, Asia Pacific. He has a broad range of experience in developing and leading OEM brands across the EMEA and APAC regions, and

“I am thrilled to join the global leader in fastener technology,” said Mr Dahlgren. “Bumax is such an innovative company, whose high-strength stainless steel fasteners help many companies to unlock new design capabilities, improve the performance and durability of their products, while supporting industry sustainability goals.”

Bumax manufacturers stainless steel fas

Graphics bigstockphoto.com/Artist tereh

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Corporate News

French spring manufacturer acquired by Lesjöfors Group

where we’re based, welcomes Lesjöfors Group and the growth opportunities their business model offers. Our

The Lesjöfors Group has expanded its European spring supply solutions with the purchase of its first spring manufacturer in France, Ressorts Lacroix. The Swedish headquartered spring and pressing manufacturer acquired several spring companies during 2024, and the completion of the purchase of Ressorts Lacroix builds on a strategic growth plan for Europe. The Ressorts Lacroix product portfolio in cludes a range of springs and wire parts for customers within the hydraulic, auto motive, aerospace and medical sector. Yohan Dutheil, CEO of Ressorts Lacroix, said, “France and Meung-sur-Loire,

Ressorts Lacroix is now part of the Lesjofors Group

“We are laser-focused on delivering this, and it’s a joy to have acquired Ressorts Lacroix, a company whose success we have been watching for quite some time. We’re grateful to them for enabling us to now say we have a manufacturing plant in France, and we look forward to developing this partnership even further.” Lesjöfors Group www.lesjoforsab.com Ressorts Lacroix https://ressorts-lacroix.com

potential is now limitless. Lesjöfors, as a global parent company, enables us to access new markets. Being part of a larger corporation not only gives us greater reach, it also enables us to access sales strategies, knowledge, technologies and networks that enriches our employees and adds value to our customers.” Lesjöfors Group CEO Ola Tengroth concluded, “Acquisitions add value to us, but it is equally as important that it adds value to the acquired company too.

Ahlsell acquires Herning Industri Lager Ahlsell Denmark, through its subsidiary KJV AS, has signed an agreement to acquire all shares in Herning Industri Lager AS. The company will become part of the industrial specialist KJV AS. The acquisition is intended to strengthen the position and offering in the Danish industrial sector. to industrial companies in Denmark, operating from a store, warehouse and head office located in the town of Herning. With its acquisition, Ahlsell aims to create one of Denmark’s leading suppliers. The acquisition was scheduled to be completed in November 2024.

companies and the public sector. The company has an annual turnover of approximately 50bn SEK, almost 8,000 employees, more than 300 stores and four central warehouses. Ahlsell AB www.ahlsell.com

Ahlsell distributes installation products, tools and supplies to installers, contractors, facility managers, energy

Herning Industri Lager AS www.herningindustrilager.dk

Herning Industri Lager sells fasteners, tools, transmissions and machines

Sherex adds Desert Distribution as sales representative

there are many opportunities for us in the southwest. We’re glad to have the Desert Distribution sales team represent Sherex and I’m looking forward to growing together.” Sherex manufactures fasteners for thin sheet material applications in steel, aluminium and composite materials. In addition to its headquarters in Buffalo, New York, USA, the company has sales and distribution facilities in Mexico, the UK and Poland, and worldwide manufacturing capabilities in the USA, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Ireland. Sherex Fastening Solutions www.sherex.com Desert Distribution www.desertdistribution.com

Optisert®, RIV-Float® and Hand Tool Calibration Unit, Desert Distribution adds another manufacturer to its portfolio. “Sherex is quickly turning into one of the fastener leaders in our industry,” said Jo Morris. “They offer a wide selection of quality rivet nut solutions along with great customer service and reliability as a manufacturer. Our customers will benefit by having them on board.” While Sherex has provided the southwest US with fasteners for more than 20 years, Desert Distribution will improve the visibility of the company’s products across this region.

Sherex a PennEngineering® company involved in engineered fasteners, tooling and automation, has announced that Desert Distribution is its new sales representative in the southwest USA. Desert Distribution is a professional man- ufacturer’s representative for engineered fastener and component manufacturers and suppliers for the southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico. Led by John Wachman and Jo Morris, Desert Distribution has been in the fastener business, representing some of the largest US fastener companies, since 2001. With Sherex’s range of fastening products, such as the award-winning Fastening Solutions®,

Sherex president Adam Pratt said, “I think

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Products

New range of HVAC latching systems

TR Fastenings, part of the Trifast plc group of companies, has launched a new range of latching systems for the HVAC industry. Klima-Flex™ has been developed to deliver a safe, effective and reliable product line for insulated and pressurised doors and cabinets, to meet the stringent requirements for air conditioning, ventilation and heating equipment housing. The Klima-Flex range consists of: • Klima-Flex 1: handle, inside handle, interlink rods, latching system – acid proof, latching units, metal handle, rod links, roller cams and safety catch • Klima-Flex 2: handle, handle for K1 latch, inside handle, latch hinge, latching units, rod link, roller cam, safety catch, and through and surface mounted latching units • Klima-Flex latch hinge • Klima-Flex 2D hinges – adjustable • Klima-Flex 3D hinges – adjustable, heavy duty The full product range is designed and engineered to meet the demands of the HVAC industry, and contains the items necessary for secure access to both doors and cabinets, ensuring complete, fully functioning seals.

Klima-Flex products for the HVAC industry

them a meaningful pathway to greater efficiency.” The manufacturer states that Klima Flex products adhere to the highest standards for the HVAC industry, where compliance is of particular importance. The Klima-Flex system has been added to TR Fastenings’ comprehensive range of products, including screws, bolts, nuts, fasteners, washers, O-rings, seals and clips. TR Fastenings www.trfastenings.com

The Klima-Flex range is also built to offer an effective and safe latching solution in both positive and negative pressure conditions. Andrew Fletcher, director of plastics and rubber (commercial and technical), said, “We’re delighted to introduce the Klima-Flex range of products to the HVAC sector, and to be providing much needed solutions to problems involving insulated and pressurised doors and cabinets. We look forward to working with our customers, and to offering

On-line lead screw selector tool Thomson Industries, Inc, a manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, has enhanced its on-line lead screw selector tool with machining and end support options. and reducing the time from design to implementation. The updated tool still offers an intuitive, visual-based interface that helps users quickly identify the best acme screw for their application.

simplified the process for our custom ers,” said Lindsey Brimage, senior prod uct manager for screws at Thomson. “Users can now configure their entire acme screw assembly, from screw to end supports, in one seamless experience.” In addition to the new features, the tool offers real-time parameter filtering, up front pricing and lead times to further simplify the selection process. Once the configuration is complete, users can download 3D models for their assemblies, access detailed product specifications or proceed to purchase, without leaving the tool’s interface. The updated lead screw selector tool is available via the company’s website.

The upgraded tool now allows design engineers to not only find the right acme screw, but also configure the necessary end machining and supports, streamlining the specification process

With the added functionality, engineers can select from pre-configured machin ing options and standard end supports without needing to

leave the tool, making it easier to build a com plete assembly from the ground up. “By integrating machin ing and end supports directly into our selector tool, we’ve significantly

Thomson Industries, Inc www.thomsonlinear.com

Precision lead screws

Graphics bigstockphoto.com/Artistnd 3000

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Products

Pre-stacked disc springs The terms disc springs and Belleville washers are often used interchangeably. Both are conically shaped spring washers typically made from spring steels and designed to be loaded axially. Both can provide a higher degree of force in a relatively compact area, compared with coil springs or wave springs.

made of high carbon steel, and tend to be thicker for a given OD. Disc springs can be statically loaded, either continuously or intermittently, or dynamically subjected to continuous load cycling. Unlike Belleville washers, they are designed specifically to provide a repeatable force-travel relationship, and have a long and predictable fatigue life in dynamic or cycling applications. Disc springs are commonly found in applications such as pressure controls and regulators, vehicle braking systems, valves, shock absorbers, clutches, friction assemblies, and joints where thermal/ weight cycling occurs. They can be used as a single piece or combined together into different configurations in stacks to achieve the desired force-deflection performance.

However, there are some technical, de sign and application differences between the two products. Typical applications for disc springs are preloading and dynamic loading/cycling. Predictable fatigue life is important. They are usually made from high carbon steel or alloy steel (sizes 1.25mm and greater). Thicknesses range from 0.2 to 14mm. Belleville washers are primarily used in heavy-duty applications, fastened together with a bolt, where the load is considered static. They are generally

Pre-stacked disc springs packaged in shrink-wrap Photo courtesy of www.spirol.com

in custom configurations (greased or ungreased), packaged in shrink-wrap with a perforated tab for ease of insertion into the assembly. 2D drawings and 3D models of Spirol disc springs can be downloaded from https:// shop.spirol.com Spirol www.spirol.com

Spirol offers pre-stacked disc springs

Rivet nut installation solution debuts at EuroBLECH

The exhibit showed how Haeger insertion machines can install a broad range of PEM fasteners, and now Sherex rivet nuts. This expanded capability is an advancement for manufacturers seeking to streamline processes and minimise machine downtime. “This marks a significant milestone for PennEngineering,” said Mary Ann Fleming, president, PennEngineering Europe. “By adding the expertise of rivet nut installation on Haeger machines, we will offer customers greater flexibility, enabling them to select the optimal fasteners for their applications while keeping installation costs low.” For Haeger, the ability to install rivet nuts will further enhance the versatility of its fastener insertion systems. Customers al ready using Haeger machines will be able to broaden the range of fasteners they install, reducing the need for additional equip ment and tools. This upgrade is also claimed to provide more precise installation control, improving production efficiency. “Haeger machines offer unmatched accuracy in force and distance control,” explained Ms Fleming. “Combined with advanced programming and tooling capabilities, this will allow customers to install rivet nuts with greater precision than traditional hand tools, leading to a superior finished product.” PennEngineering www.penn-eng.com Sherex Fastening Solutions www.sherex.com Haeger Inc www.haeger.com

Sherex Fastening Solutions® and Haeger®, both part of the PennEngineering® group, gave the first demonstration of a Sherex rivet nut installation using a Haeger insertion machine in October, at EuroBLECH 2024 in Hanover, Germany. The demonstration highlighted the growing synergy between brands within the PennEngineering portfolio, offering customers an integrated solution for fastener installation.

Haeger’s 824 One Touch 5e insertion machine

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