EuroWire July 2020

Corporate News

Clamping technology rm hooks up with Bumax

Clamping manufacturer Andreas Maier GmbH & Co KG (AMF) of Germany has opted for extra-strong and corrosion-resistant screws from Bumax for its zero-point clamping systems. The model 109 fasteners in both standard and Ultra grades have been ordered to enhance precise zero-point clamping solutions used in milling processes and turning centres, to enable xture and workpiece changes within seconds. AMF’s zero-point system has precise clamping modules with high draw-in, locking and holding forces to ensure perfect clamping in a wide range of applications. The company previously used carbon steel screws for its clamping products, but required a more durable fastener solution.

▲ Bumax facilities in Åshammar, in Sweden’s steel district

Bumax 109 and 109 Ultra screws were chosen to further enhance the system and to provide end users with high levels of quality, accuracy and operational safety. “As our zero-point clamping systems require a maximum of sti ness, strength and vibration tolerance, we were looking for a fastener solution that would outperform normal stainless steel,” explained Christina Holm, AMF’s product manager for zero-point systems. “Bumax was the only solution that fully met all of our tensile tests for extreme loading scenarios.”

The premium fasteners developed and supplied by Bumax – a Swedish manufacturer of high-strength stainless steel fasteners – are claimed to provide better corrosion resistance and strength in demanding applications. AMF ordered both Bumax 109 and the stronger 109 Ultra because a particular headcap was needed that can only be manufactured in the Ultra grade. “Bumax screws are stable against static and dynamic forces during the machining process, even under extreme forces,” said Ms Holm. “Also, they are available in a range of sizes, which makes them suitable for all our zero-point clamping modules, including pneumatic, hydraulic and automation modules.” Bumax is a specialist manufacturer of premium stainless steel fasteners in a variety of steel grades that provide safety and reliability in demanding applications. Customers operate in industries such as marine, automotive, oil and gas, chemical processing, energy, defence, pulp and paper, construction and general engineering. Bumax www.bumax-fasteners.com

AMF milling dril

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Plans for business to spring back

development and production capacities of the springs and stabilisers group in Germany will be concentrated in Hagen. This will include prototyping, production of stabilisers for small-batch orders and the spare parts business, and the production of springs for heavy cars and electric vehicles. The site’s entire production strategy will be revised and switched to a higher degree of automation. The springs and stabilisers business currently operates nine production sites, in Germany, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico and China, employing around 3,400 people worldwide. thyssenkrupp AG www.thyssenkrupp.com

respective product segments are too low and overcapacities on the market too high. That is why we have decided to combine the remaining production and development activities at one site and further streamline the organisation.” Around 330 employees are employed at the site in Olpe. Existing customer projects will be completed by the end of 2021 and production will then be discontinued. Over the course of this year and next, steps will be taken to prepare employees for subsequent employment within the group or elsewhere. The Hagen site has been producing springs for customers in the automotive industry since 1925. In future, all

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extensive for the German sites of its springs and stabilisers division. Under the plan, production of stabilisers at the site in Olpe will be discontinued by the end of 2021. The company’s Hagen site will be realigned and converted into a centre of excellence for the development and manufacture of springs and stabilisers. Dr Karsten Kroos, CEO of thyssenkrupp’s automotive technology division, commented, “The restructuring of the two sites is an unavoidable and right step to return the business to pro t. The two plants were no longer competitive in the current setup. Price levels in the restructuring plan

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July 2020