WCA January 2022

Products

Next-level hex keys make quick work of fasteners in tight spaces

Gearwrench has launched a new line of professional hex keys that are suited to demanding needs. The range includes standard L-keys, folding hex key sets, and T-handle hex key sets, providing a comprehensive offering for use with a variety of fastener types and sizes. Flimsy hex keys can bend and get damaged easily with heavy use in everyday applications. The alloy steel composition of Gearwrench hex keys provides increased strength and resists rotational distortion. Chamfered edges guide the keys into the fastener more easily, so the work does not stall. Gearwrench hex keys are available with standard hex and Torx ® heads, and also with a ball end feature that delivers 25° access in hard-to-reach areas. Short- and long- arm options provide the right length and the right leverage for any space. The comfort-grip handles of the fold-up hex key sets and the T-handle hex keys improve grip, reduce hand fatigue, and allow for added torque. The ratcheting T-handle hex key uses a ratcheting mechanism.

New professional hex keys from Gearwrench

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Select ball end L-key styles are available with a grip feature that securely holds fasteners during installation or removal. Gearwrench www.gearwrench.com

Investments in line with smart factory future Lesjöfors is continuing to invest and advance how it manufactures, to prepare for the industry’s future. A new Bruderer machine in the UK is one step in this direction. connected machines, production systems and devices. The data collected by these intelligent and automated machines can be used to create reports on areas for improvements and ongoing issues, and for being proactive to live demands.

relationship with Bruderer UK goes back more than 15 years, and this will be the third new machine we’ve taken from Adrian Haller and his team. The Swiss stamping technology is the best in the world when it comes to precision, achieving tolerances and delivering flexibility, and this new BSTA 410-110B2 will be the real jewel in the crown of our new press shop.” The investment in automated machinery has streamlined processes and allowed the company to remain fully operational throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The company sees the installation of the new equipment in the press shop as being critical to the expansion and long-term investment in the latest machinery and technology. European Springs & Pressings is also in the final stages of a bespoke £700,000 project involving the construction of a 6,000-square-foot press shop that will deliver approximately 20 per cent efficiency gains, along with a more streamlined production process. Lesjöfors AB www.lesjoforsab.com European Springs & Pressings Ltd www.europeansprings.com

The emergence of smart factories, machine learning and connectivity has added a new dimension to manufacturing facilities worldwide. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, “smart factory” has quickly adapted from an initial concept to mainstream manufacturing. Smart factories are the driving force of digitalisation in modern-day manu- facturing. A smart factory can refer to a digitalised shop or facility that operates by

A combination of technologies connects smart factories, including big data analytics, cloud computing, AI (artificial intelligence) and Industrial IoT (Internet of things). Each plays a part in combining physical and digital tasks so that the smart factory process can oversee and fully integrate every system to streamline performance and operations. The British Lesjöfors company European Springs & Pressings has installed a BSTA 410-110B2 and high precision servo feeder to help increase press shop capacity. The automated press and tool monitoring technology gives production speeds of up to 1,600 strokes per minute and a fully adjustable stroke between 16 and 47mm. The high-speed press is used for almost every manufactured pressing.

❍ The new Bruderer press has been installed at Lesjöfors company European Springs & Pressings

Stuart managing director of European Springs & Pressings, commented, “Our McSheehy,

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www.read-fastenersasia.com

January 2022