EuroWire March 2020

Manufacturing Technology

Error proo ng hand tools Tohnichi produces a wide selection of torque wrenches, screwdrivers and test equipment. The company is known for its selection of error proo ng hand tools that assist with avoiding possible missed or incorrect hand tightening in the assembly process. These error proo ng techniques include limit switches - once the torque setting has been achieved, it will send a signal to a PLC or counter to verify the manual tightening by tracking the number of completion “clicks” from the torque wrench. Evolving from limit switches that are cabled to wireless connectivity, Tohnichi’s latest version wireless module now has double tightening detection. This will alert the user if they try to tighten the same fastener more than once, making it a higher level of error proo ng. Tohnici America www.tohnichi.com Interactive seminar in fastener coatings with MacDermid

Following this, Lammert de Boer – global director ZinKlad, DecoKlad and XMAPP – gave an in-depth presentation on achieving global consistency in high performance coatings using the ZinKlad programme. Mr de Boer then discussed the challenges that applicators and fastener manufacturers face regarding quality performance and rising environmental challenges. The delegation understood the bene ts associated with ZinKlad and its supporting sustainable technology programmes. During the questions and answers session, delegates posed questions on hydrogen embrittlement, pre-treatment prior to plating, understanding the correct levels of ZinKlad performance and OEM transplants. Answering, Mr de Boer explained: “Our approved applicators meet the hydrogen embrittlement speci cations by closely controlling the parameters as speci ed in the ZinKlad auditing process.” Additionally, there was a discussion about lowering the risk by using alkaline zinc-nickel. “Our Enviralloy alkaline zinc-nickel technology is already extensively used within the ZinKlad programme.” In answering the speci c question on the importance of pre-treatment, Mr de Boer went on to say: “A study has shown that the majority of rejects emanated from incorrect application of pre-treatment processes. “Regarding the selection of the best performance level, white and red rust corrosion resistance is generally the most important factor.” Mr de Boer demonstrated this by showing the ZinKlad performance levels located on the MacDermid Enthone Chinese website. Mr Gardner nished the session by explaining the importance of supporting global OEMs transplanting into emerging markets: “We show the value of ZinKlad by listing our applicators on our websites for fastener engineers to select the most suitable applicators around the world.” The meeting was a success and the sessions well received, with continuing interaction during all the presentations. In particular, the in-depth level of technical discussions demonstrated the value of the seminar.

MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions held a ZinKlad seminar for a Chinese fastener delegation, consisting of some 30 leaders of Chinese fastener manufacturers. While visiting the Fastener Fair in Stuttgart, the delegation took a tour of best-practice technologies throughout the region. Driven by the rising regulations in the Chinese manufacturing industry, the delegates were keen to learn about the quality performance system ZinKlad. Of particular interest was how high performance, sustainable fastener coatings are carried out in Europe today. During the seminar, the delegates had the opportunity to hear about the global success of the ZinKlad programme, its bene ts for the fastener supply chain and its compliance with global environmental regulations. This is particularly important for the Chinese fastener supply chain as local OEMs increase their speci cation requirements and the applicator base looks for new technology to meet environmental directives.

Attendees at the seminar

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After a welcome speech and an introduction to MacDermid Enthone by Jasmin Baker, who highlighted the importance of the seminar for building strong working relationships within the fastener supply chain, Alan Gardner embraced the opportunity to introduce MacDermid Enthone’s OEM and sustainable excellence programmes.

MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions www.industrial.macdermidenthone.com

EF 15/97

www.read-eurofasteners.com

March 2020