FastenersASIA November 2021

Industry and technology news from the world of fasteners

ISSN: 2633-9676 print

ISSN: 2633-9684 online

Photo by Fernando Reyes, Unsplash

Photo by Mika Baumeister, Unsplash

FA 3/37 Industry News FA 6/40 Products FA 9/43 Manufacturing Technology Contents November 2021

Diary of events

4-8 April 2022 MACH

Trade exhibition Birmingham, UK Organisers: The Manufacturing Technologies Assoc www.machexhibition.com

9-13 May 2022 wire Düsseldorf Trade exhibition Düsseldorf, Germany Organisers: Messe Düsseldorf GmbH www.wire.de

25-28 May 2022 Lamiera Trade exhibition Milan, Italy Organisers: CEU-Centro Esposizioni Ucimu SpA www.lamiera.net

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6-8 June 2022 Wire Expo

Trade exhibition Dallas, Texas, USA Organisers: The Wire Association International Inc www.wireexpo22.com

26-29 September 2022 wire China Trade exhibition Shanghai, China Organisers: Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute Co Ltd Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai Co Ltd www.wirechina.net

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5-7 October 2022 wire Southeast Asia Trade exhibition Bangkok, Thailand Organisers: Messe Düsseldorf Asia www.wire-southeastasia.com

As with all shows, and with the continuing coronavirus pandemic, please check to ensure the event is going ahead

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November 2021

Industry news

❍ The acquisition is the largest in Lesjöfors’ history Photo credit: courtesy of www.alcomexsprings.com Lesjöfors acquires European door and industrial springs manufacturer

continue to develop the business. In line with Lesjöfors’ decentralised organisation, the company will continue to operate under its own brand and management. Mr van Vliet and Mr Hietink commented, “In the last five years, we have more than doubled our customer base and revenues with a consistent customer service. Our people live and breathe our customers’ needs and preferences, such as reliability of lead times and on-time delivery. “Together with our technical solutions engineering this has evolved into a European platform for growth. We believe that with the support of Lesjöfors we will further accelerate and strengthen our expansion and development as the customers service leader in our industry.” The Lesjöfors Group provides a wide range of springs and pressings to customers in diverse industries around the world, with expertise in custom-made solutions and a flexible manufacturing capacity. Lesjöfors AB www.lesjoforsab.com

Henrik Perbeck, CEO of Beijer Alma (Lesjöfors’ parent company), commented, “This is a landmark transaction for Lesjöfors and the largest acquisition in its history. The transaction is a great fit with Beijer Alma’s model for value- adding acquisitions. With this acquisition, Lesjöfors has underlined its potential and ambition to increase scale internationally and build the leading spring, wire and flat strip component group.” Lesjöfors president Ola Tengroth said, “Alcomex’s performance over the last few years has been impressive, and we are excited about what we can achieve together. Lesjöfors and Alcomex have well matched corporate cultures, similar operations and a complementary geographical footprint, which provides a strong foundation for cross-sales and other value-creating activities. We are convinced that the companies will strengthen each other going forward.” Alcomex’s current minority owners and managing directors, Conrad Hietink and Jelle van Vliet, will remain as minority owners and managing directors to

Lesjöfors has acquired 88 per cent of the shares in the Alcomex Group. With this transaction, Lesjöfors gains access to new geographies and a new product area, in line with its ambitions as a spring, wire and flat strip component group. Alcomex is a Dutch manufacturer of door and industrial springs, with a diversified and international customer base across various industries, such as residential overhead doors, industrial sectional doors, construction, fine mechanics and aftermarket suspension. The company has a leading position in door springs in Europe and a strong regional position in industrial springs, with production facilities in the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland and India. Like Lesjöfors, Alcomex focuses on the production of small to medium-sized batches with high technical expertise and an emphasis on tailored solutions. The acquisition provides a platform for future organic, as well as acquisitive, growth for Lesjöfors and will create opportunities for cross-selling, purchasing coordination and sharing of best practice.

Graphics bigstockphoto.com/Artist tereh

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Industry news

Trifast acquires Falcon Fastening Solutions Trifast plc (TR) is continuing to expand its presence in strategic areas globally to sup- port the localised service required by many of its OEM customers, with the acquisition of Falcon Fastening Solutions Inc. Giovanni Cespedes, who has worked for the business since 2008.

Following the acquisition, TR Falcon will have access to the TR group’s seven manufacturing sites, and the additional support of technical and engineering teams to assist in its growth plans. Mr Cespedes sees this as “a fantastic opportunity for Falcon’s employees, customers and suppliers” that will build on the existing business. This acquisition is complimentary to TR’s North American operations in Houston, with TR Falcon adding expertise in the areas of energy, health and home and general industrial to Houston’s capabilities in the automotive sector. Trifast plc www.trfastenings.com

Based in Charlotte and Kentucky, USA, TR Falcon was founded in 1979 and has remained a family business since that time. Trifast’s customer proposition is built around experienced design and application engineers, supported by its own manufacturing locations, which combine to provide fastener solutions to customers’ application problems. This is supported by Trifast’s distribution and supply operations around the world, to meet customers’ needs across a broad range of industrial fastenings and C-class components.

Mark Belton, Trifast’s CEO, commented, “The Carolinas region is a strategically important area for us where a number of our global OEMs have facilities. The culture, values and work ethic at Falcon in many ways reflect those of TR. We believe that the combination of Falcon’s and Trifast’s locations, experience, knowledge base and skill sets will open up significant opportunities.” Now branded as TR Falcon, the company will continue to be managed by president

Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2021 postponed

to be able to offer our usual event slot in spring 2023. This early announcement will allow planning security for all participants, and it will ensure that the event can continue its critical role in bringing the global fastener and fixing industry together again in 2023.” In the meantime, Mack-Brooks Exhibitions will run a new digital event – Fastener Fair Connect – allowing the international fastener and fixing community to gather in a dedicated onlinemarketplace, whichwill offer an online showcase and additional networking opportunities. From 17 to 18 November 2021, the international online event will unite the global Fastener Fair brands, including Germany, Italy, Mexico, USA and India.

The 9 th International Exhibition for the Fastener and Fixing Industry will now take place from 21 to 23 March 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany. The postponement of Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2021, which was scheduled to take place in November, was announced by the event’s organiser, Mack-Brooks Exhibitions. The decision was made due to the ongoing pandemic, and follow- ing conversations with exhibitors and partners over several months. Liljana Goszdziewski, portfolio director of Fastener Fair Stuttgart, on behalf of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions commented, “Following our decision to postpone Fastener Fair Stuttgart, we are pleased

In addition, a series of roadshow events, planned to run in 2022, will provide fastener and fixing professionals with opportunities to meet and stay connected with the industry. Fastener Fair Italy, already planned from 30 November to 1 December 2022, will be one of the events in the series.

Mack-Brooks Exhibitions Ltd www.fastenerfairstuttgart.com

Major fasteners contract for electric vehicle programme

fasteners to the international automotive industry. The company’s products range from customer-specific standard items to customised special fasteners. The company also provides technical develop- ment, line-feeding, logistics, material and production expertise. Bulten AB www.bulten.com

“We are proud to be appointed FSP pro- vider of fasteners by a new customer, and for a new electric vehicle programme,” said Anders Nyström, president and CEO of Bulten. “This is a strategically important contract for us since we are expanding sales of our products within the electric ve- hicle segment, which is growing strongly.”

Bulten has been awarded a new FSP (full-service provider) contract by a European automotive manufacturer. The contract is for the supply of fasteners for an electric vehicle programme that is under development, and the order value is approximately SEK 220mn per year at full production. Deliveries are expected to start in the third quarter of 2022, and reach full pace by 2025.

Bulten Group is a major supplier of

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November 2021

Industry news

Sustainable sealing screws secure Sollum’s smart LED fixture

inventions benefit the health and well- being of people and planet.” Sollum co-founder and chief technology officer François Roy-Moisan commented, “Zago’s sealing screws provide us with the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that we use components of the highest quality in manufacturing our technology. Not only that, it’s also great to work with a partner who shares our commitment to building a more sustainable future for all.” Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, USA, Zago manufac- tures sealing fasteners and components for engineers and OEMs worldwide. Industries include military, aerospace, energy, automotive, electronics, robotics and manufacturing. The company’s sealing solutions are American-made and compliant with the Buy American Act. Zago Manufacturing Co www.zago.com SollumTechnologies Inc http://sollum.tech

important to us that we provide as much actionable, useful information as possible, as well as the service that helps our customers succeed – and this eBook does exactly that. As a company, we feel that we have a responsibility for education and information sharing alongside our sales and service. We’ve backed this up in our latest investments, such as our new UK website, which includes an insights platform as well as this new resource. This is all available free of charge to anybody in the industry – whether they’re a customer or not.” With sections detailing how to determine the protection level needed, how protection levels are tested, and what properties each type of protection offers, alongside the solutions available, the resource is an introductory guide to plating and coating. Earnest Machine manufactures and distributes industrial fasteners, as well as providing secondary services and custom humidity, moisture, dirt and dust, from entering the fixture or exiting and leaking into the environment. Zago sealing screws are corrosion resistant, reusable and pollutant free. Sollum’s smart LED lighting solution features the cloud-based “Sun as a Service®” platform, which serves as a command centre for its full suite of grower services, including access to a library of “light recipes”, the ability to create custom recipes, multi-zone crop management, and real-time and remote lighting control from the computer. Fixtures and sensors aggregate and compile the data collected in the greenhouse for processing and analysis, providing each grower with the ability to adapt, modify and customise the lighting for produce-specific lighting criteria. The technology uses that data to compensate between ambient and target light, which results in energy savings. “Collaborating with sustainable com- panies is exhilarating,” said Harvey Rottenstrich, lead engineer, president and co-founder of Zago. “Especially when

Zago Manufacturing Co is providing sustainable sealing screws for a smart LED lighting solution by Sollum Technologies. The technology is claimed to recreate, perfect and modulate the full spectrum of the sun’s natural light, enabling producers to grow fruit and vegetables in greenhouses anywhere in the world, regardless of their native region. The smart lighting solution can reduce consumption of water, energy and chemi- cals in food production; reduce losses across the full supply chain; and aid the development of local and ethical agri- culture globally. Benefits for commercial growers include energy savings, increased crop yield, diversification and annualisa- tion of production, and high-quality pro- duce with a longer shelf life. Zago sealing screws seal the Sollum smart lighting fixture, protecting the sophisticated sensors and components within it. The sealing screws are engineered with a custom groove under the head that, when combined with a rubber O-ring and tightened, form a 360 ° leak-proof seal. This seal prevents contaminants, including air, water,

Protecting industrial fasteners from corrosion Earnest Machine, a manufacturer and distributor of industrial fasteners, has launched a free resource, with an eBook offering a comprehensive look at solving corrosion and harsh environment issues with platings and coatings for industrial fasteners.

The resource explores the basic concepts and terms that are often used when discussing platings or coatings, including how to specify the protection needed for particular applications. It details both plating and coating options, alongside the difference between the two processes used, as well as a closer look at standard platings and coatings that are available within the industry. The eBook is designed to help people in the industry understand platings and coatings, as well as the wide amount of choices available in the market. Stuart Southall, general manager at Earnest Machine, commented, “It’s very

❍ Earnest Machine’s plating and coating resource

fastener and component manufacturing. With 130 standard parts categories, the company can customise any part with speciality plating, patching, drilling and machining services, and help customers to find parts outside standard offerings. The eBook can be downloaded at www.earnestmachine.co.uk/plating-and-coating-ebook

Earnest Machine www.earnestmachine.co.uk

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November 2021

Products

❍ The new Bolt Biter nut extractors and drivers make quick work of worn, rusted and rounded nuts with impact tools

New Bolt Biter nut drivers for easier extractions

Bolt molybdenum construction and torsion zone provide durability for use with impact tools. The Bolt Biter nut driver range includes 16 open stock options, and 16-piece and eight-piece sets. The 16-piece option is outfitted with a case with adjustable rails, suitable for a variety of accessories, to keep everything organised and accessible. Gearwrench www.gearwrench.com Biter’s chrome

our new nut drivers – we see the same results. Problem solved.” With their bi-directional design, Bolt Biter nut drivers allow users to remove and re- use damaged fasteners easily, saving time at each turn with up to five times more gripping force. “Minus size”options work on heavily worn or damaged fasteners that standard sizes cannot grip. The tapered entry design lets Bolt Biter nut drivers seat or disengage from fasteners easily, without the need for hammers or mallets.

Rusted, rounded, worn-down or frozen fasteners can be difficult to remove, even for experienced professionals, and the fasteners often have to be replaced. Using the right extraction tools, such as Gearwrench’s Bolt Biter nut drivers, can simplify the process. “All across the extraction tool category, we find pros struggling to remove damaged fasteners,” said Gearwrench product manager Rachel Cooke. “And every time we apply our innovative Bolt Biter design in a new way – like with

Graphics bigstockphoto.com/Artist Wladimir

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Products

Bolt-adjusted manhole levelling solutions RimRiser adjust-to-grade systems for manholes, catch basins and precast tops are now available from RimRiser and from foundries, pre-casters and civil infrastructure suppliers in major markets. like RimRiser can provide a simple, cost- effective and precise way to improve or ensure flushness, the pavement around utility access points will last longer, which will save money in the long run.”

Levelling of manholes and other surface- level infrastructure can be a time-consum- ing process that requires multiple people and often relies on potentially unsafe and imprecise methods like using pry bars and shims, which can break down over time. RimRiser solutions use a patented four- bolt system that allows a single crew member to precisely level the riser to the specified grade using a standard 5 / 8 -inch nut driver. This makes it easy to set it right the first time and to adjust, if needed. RimRiser is safer to install than traditional methods because it eliminates hazards from lifting with bars, overhead machines or slings and prevents accidental drops on hands or fingers. The patented bolts are small enough to fit in a pocket, making them easy to store and carry. RimRiser- ready castings all use the same bolt- adjustable system.

RimRiser’s bolt-adjusted riser technology makes the process of levelling cast iron manhole rings, inlet frames/grates and precast concrete tops easier, faster and more accurate. By reducing the crew, time and equipment required to ensure that utility covers, grates and tops are precisely levelled to grade, RimRiser streamlines the paving process, keeps traffic moving smoothly and protects roads from unnecessary wear that results from utility covers that are too high, too low or shift over time. “Ensuring that manholes, catch basins and handholes located in roads and other paved surfaces are flush with the surrounding pavement is essential for long-term pavement durability, driver satisfaction and reduced vehicle wear and tear,” said John Hickey, executive director of the Asphalt Paving Association of Oregon. “To the extent new technologies Hilti North America, a commercial construction-focused technology, soft- ware and services company, has expanded its concrete anchor portfolio with the launch of Kwik Bolt-TZ2, a mechanical anchor that is easier to install and can be used in more application and job-site conditions. The innovation is intended to make design easier for engineers and contractors, delivering up to 20 per cent higher tension performance and approvals, while optimising edge distance and spacing. “It was a natural progression to take the expansion anchor further to provide an even more optimised fastening solution,” said Rafael Lorenzo Santos, senior director of fastening and protection at Hilti North America. “As job sites become more complex, installing anchors correctly the first time is key to help ensure safety and productivity. With KB-TZ2, Hilti has set a new standard for what an expansion anchor can do.” Taking the time to ensure a safer anchor design requires a thorough review of the

❍ The system uses adjustable bolts that are set using a power tool

“We used to use bricks, wedges or wood shims, but it took a lot more time to set manholes to grade, and in time the bricks and shims would either break down or rot out and the manholes would typically sink,” said David Coffey, crew leader, wastewater for the City of Vancouver, Washington, USA. “With RimRiser, I like how quick and easy it is to set to grade simply using a power tool to set it into place. And when we grout the inside, it seals with the sturdy bolts in place, providing a strong base for the castings to sit on.” RimRiser, Inc www.rimriser.com Additionally, the KB-TZ2 has improved embedment depths for the thinnest of slabs and an expanded portfolio, with 94 different diameter and length options, offering the right size anchor for more applications. This includes the first quarter-inch and one-inch diameter seismic-approved expansion anchors. Modifications to the cone angle and geometry allow the KB-TZ2 to efficiently expand, while the sleeve design produces a higher undercut percentage in the concrete. Specialised bolt and nut coatings help prevent over-torqueing and provide better pre-tension control to reduce the expansion forces transferred to the base material. Hilti offers a range of technical support services to help customers evaluate and specify its products. The KB-TZ2 is available now throughout the USA and Canada, and for specifications in PROFIS Engineering. Hilti www.hilti.com

Easy-to-install wedge anchor to cover more applications and job-site conditions

specific applications and load require- ments. The use of complex anchors, such as epoxy or heavy-duty mechanical anchors, can be labour intensive and expensive, which can lead to complex anchor redesign requests from project owners or contractors. The Kwik Bolt TZ-2 has been designed to help make anchoring easier by being the only fractional expansion anchor to offer diamond core hole approvals, a combination drill bit that reduces fatigue on the installer and compatibility with Hilti’s Adaptive Torque module, which helps increase installation quality. ❍ Hilti’s KB-TZ2 wedge anchor aims to make design easier

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November 2021

Products

Traction gas springs Lesjöfors’ growing product range now in- cludes traction gas springs that provide immediate power and safety in applica- tions that require controlled closing.

Common applications are in doors, hatch- es and lids where the function of the gas spring is to retract the door etc. “We have noticed an increase in demand from the market in recent years and therefore it was just the right time to introduce this product group now,” said Greg Lehman, product manager at Lesjöfors Stockholms Fjäder. “There is a demand from, above all, industrial customers throughout Europe and we are pleased to now be able to supplement our range of gas springs with another in-demand product.” Technical engineers from Lesjöfors Stockholms Fjäder led the development of the traction gas springs in collaboration with the group’s producing units in South Korea and Latvia. Lesjöfors in Latvia will

The products are available in the standard range and as custom-made units adapted to individual requirements. A traction gas spring differs from a conventional gas spring in that it works in the opposite direction: it contracts instead of being pushed out. Unloaded, the piston rod is inside the cylinder; under load, the force works to pull the rod back into the cylinder. It also has flat progression, which means a relatively even force throughout the stroke, unlike a wire spring where the force increases gradually. Traction gas springs can be used in a va- riety of diversified industrial applications.

Lesjöfors now supplies traction gas springs

provide a warehouse for the complete standard gas spring range, including traction gas springs. “We can already offer standard variants in black-painted carbon steel in a number of dimensions. “We can also manufacture customised variants in different dimensions or in stainless steel according to the customer’s individual requirements,” said Mr Lehman. Lesjöfors AB www.lesjoforsab.com

Comprehensive line of high-performance fastener coatings

sea, PPG coatings are formulated with technology designed to prevent corrosion and chemical attack. The benefits of the coatings in the range include abrasion and impact resistance, chip resistance, an extensive colour palette, part-to-part sticking (technology- specific option), low friction for torque tension and release, load resistance and UV resistance. They are also RoHS and REACH compliant. PPG Industries, Inc www.ppgindustrialcoatings.com

Fasteners are more than just nuts and bolts. Whether connecting the framework in a construction application or meeting the heavy-duty requirements for mining oil and gas resources, they often carry significant responsibility. Selecting the right coatings is critical to ensuring the performance of fasteners over the life of their use. PPG offers a wide array of coating technologies engineered to optimise reliability, efficiency and longevity of fasteners. For installations on land or at

Selecting the right fastener coating can ensure peak performance across a prod- uct’s lifespan and can protect investments in infrastructure and equipment. PPG’s line of fastener coatings provides enhanced edge coverage and protection from corrosion and abrasions, even in extreme environments. From liquid dip-spin to PG Xylan® coating to electrocoat systems, PPG fastener solutions are formulated with innovative technology to deliver durability and resistance to chipping, impact and UV.

Mag-Mate terminals eliminate soldering in motor connections Mag-Mate terminals with Multispring pin combine insulation displacement connection (IDC) terminals with a press-fit Multispring pin to enable the ability to directly connect magnet wire to a PCB with no soldering or welding. The Multispring pin offers a high normal force for PCB connection and is suitable for applications with multi-layer PCBs. resulting in no plastic deformation or loss of the gas tight connection. The introduction of these terminals allows the flexibility to use aluminium instead of copper magnet wires in motor designs.

Other benefits include no pre-stripping of wires.

The integration of the Multispring pin allows the removal of the motor connection for maintenance (no more than twice) with low stress to the PCB hole,

TE Connectivity www.te.com

❍ Mag-Mate 300 series with Multispring

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November 2021

Manufacturing Technology

❍ Combined header with heading station, pointing station and thread rolling station

Combined headers to produce fasteners and screws

Quality management is facilitated by two gates interfaced with the load monitoring system and discharging of NC parts, after the header and after the roller. An optional load control system protects the machine against overloads and moni- tors the forming and rolling processes. Scrap separators in different sizes are available when producing self-tapping screws. Orders have already begun, and the first machines will be delivered within 2021.

M3 to M8 with a maximum shaft length of 60mm. The machine is a double blow header with an integrated threading sta- tion, representing a new generation of the KSP11-R model. Sacma is re-introducing in the product line the 1D2B combined header in response to increasing demand for small and self-tapping screws, widely used in different areas of industry. The KSP12-R features a one-piece main frame of perlitic cast iron, for rigidity and stability. Major set-up adjustments are motorised for a quick and easy changeover: S-feed wire feeder driven by torque motor; motorised wire stock gauge and DKO; and threading starter driven by torque motor with self-learning function.

Sacma Group designs and manufactures combined headers that are able to produce fasteners from M4 to M24. These combined headers can produce finished parts such as fasteners and screws for the automotive industry, starting from the wire, and are a solution for high productivity requirements, consolidation of production methods, floor space utilisation and work flow in the fasteners manufacturing process by having the forming, pointing and thread rolling in one machine. To complete its range, Sacma is introduc- ing the new combined header model KSP12-R to run fasteners that range from

Sacma Limbiate SpA www.sacmagroup.com

Graphics bigstockphoto.com Artist Koloj

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November 2021

ARRIVALs Landing at an exhibition near you… CirCulating to the wire, Cable and wire produCt industries aCross asia

SteelFab 10th-13th January 2022 Sharjah, UAE Stand: TBC

www.steelfabme.com

MACH 4th-8th April 2022

www.machexhibition.com

Birmingham, UK Stand: 20-230

wire Düsseldorf 9th-13th May 2022 Düsseldorf, Germany Stand: TBC

www.wire.de

Lamiera 25th-28th May 2022 Milan, Italy Stand: TBC

www.lamiera.net

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