Touch heritage. Take lunch. Fasten better from this week!

On Thursday this week, 11th March, the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition takes place at the world-famous RAF Museum Hendon. It is the first time the event has been strategically located to serve the manufacturing community in the Home Counties and wider South and East of England. The event features an extensive portfolio of exhibitors covering every aspect of fastening, adhesives and assembly technology and is used as a launch platform for new products by suppliers large and small.

The exhibition doesn’t just showcase the newest fasteners to have emerged recently – it is also a meeting and discussion point for brand new fastening and assembly technologies, practices and processes too. Visitor pre-registration closes at 1500 on Tuesday 9th March but manufacturing professionals are always welcome to register on arrival.

The exhibition takes place in the Dermot Boyle Wing of the Museum, and entry to the show is free. Museum entry is free too, and so is the abundant parking which is available on site immediately adjacent to the exhibition. The show opens at 10am and closes at 3pm. Outside rush hour, the venue is located less than 20 minutes from the M25/M1 interchange. Clear signposting from J4 of the M1 southbound leads straight to the RAF Museum car park. See you there!

Epoxy comes to the rescue and conquers cryogenic wind tunnel

A specially formulated aerospace epoxy has come to the rescue in a particularly tricky cryogenic wind-tunnel-model bonding application, which posed some interesting challenges for traditional engineering thermoplastics. The application not only runs at very low temperatures and in vacuum conditions but also presents high levels of thermal, thermal cycling and mechanical shear stresses.

Cooled to 113K at a rate of 40K/hour and then reheated over a 4 hour cycle, the model’s stainless, aluminium, neodyne magnet and fibre reinforced plastic substrates are all deforming at their individual CTEs, thus inducing further stress on the parts and adhesive joints. Certainly any metal adhesive would have a difficult time meeting any one of these challenging performance requirements, all the more so all of them at once.

As a NASA qualified low outgassing aerospace adhesive, multifunctional Master Bond EP21TCHT-1 was found to be ideal for the high vacuum testing application. Being a toughened, two part epoxy, the cryogenic adhesive was a good CTE match for the assembly of the difficult to bond substrates used in the wind tunnel model. Developing a high bond strength of 2,200 PSI in shear at ambient temperatures, it retains significant adhesive strength in cryogenic environments, down to 4K.

The adhesive bonds produced are resistant to thermal cycling and many chemicals. As an added bonus, the hardened epoxy adhesive exhibits high thermal conductivity useful in the model’s overall temperature cycling performance.

Newly launched composite springs on show at Hendon

A suite of compression springs manufactured from a plastic composite by Lee Spring will be on show at the forthcoming Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Adam Binding, the company’s European Marketing Manager Plastic composite springs offer many advantages including stability of physical and mechanical properties up to 170oC, high strength to weight ratios and excellent corrosion resistance.

The range, which was only launched in January, has been developed in response to customer requests for springs that combine the strength of metal with the special attributes of high performance engineered thermoplastics.

Manufactured from polyetherimide (PEI) resin, the springs are non-magnetic, offer dielectric insulation, low flammability and are recyclable as well as RoHS and REACH compliant. Different formulations will be used to meet or exceed performance criteria.  PEI was apparently chosen following years of engineering design and materials research by Lee Springs’ technical team. PEI resin is produced under the Ultem tradename by Sabic Innovative Plastics.

The springs will be available in a variety of standard sizes and six colour coded strengths: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, the strongest.  Custom design options to meet precise performance requirements will also be offered.

Applications are expected in medical products and apparatus, imaging and X-ray equipment, food processing and packaging machinery as well as in the aerospace, marine, electronics, electrical, water purification, chemical, automotive, semi-conductor, instrumentation and communications sectors.

Come and meet Lee Spring and see the newly launched plastics springs at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

A lift-assist stay that soft-closes and stops anywhere

The latest addition to Sugatsune UK’s range of Lapcon soft close technology products is designed for upward opening cabinet doors. The SLS-Elan combines three functions: it offers Sugatsune’s traditional Soft-Close action; it has an assisted lift function; and it also allows the door to be stopped at any position during opening.

Available in medium or heavy duty versions, the product is suitable for a wide range of door sizes and weights and can be used singly or in handed pairs. It has been designed to be discreet in appearance with attractive pale grey covers and is simple to install, requiring only two mounting screws each for the body and door attachment brackets.

Addition to castor range features moulded wheels

The Elesa range of castors has been extended with the introduction of the RE.F8 technopolymer monolithic range, which covers heights from 100mm to 194mm. The products feature unitary moulded wheels, which chosen for their suitability to general purpose industrial applications such as trolleys and equipment material transfer up to 750kg per wheel. The castors work best on smooth surfaces with good wear resistance such as tiled floors or similar finishes.

The series offers low rolling resistance with easy turning courtesy of the dual Elesa standard ball race cage. The manufacturer tells us that usability is further enhanced by the option of a total brake mechanism on the turning version which locks both the wheel and the chassis bracket from turning when required.

Elesa claims that the castor is excellent for light duty, low cost, low maintenance applications where its fully moulded wheel with integral plain bearing on a spacer tube provide simplicity within a rugged zinc plated or stainless steel chassis.

Portable setting tool extends pierce and rivet benefits

A new battery tool claimed ideal for low volume applications has been introduced by sheet metal fastening specialist, Profil (UK). The company says its new battery powered handgun extends the versatility of its pierce and rivet assembly systems because it capable of installing M6 or M8 anchor studs and nuts in materials up to 3.00 mm thick without being connected to services.

The portable installation tool has a maximum setting force of six tonnes and will be useful for low volume production applications, as well as prototype assemblies and vehicle repair work. It is also suitable for general sheet metal fabrication, heating, ventilation and ducting, domestic appliance manufacture, building industry, agricultural equipment, electrical enclosures, ship building and furniture applications.

Measuring 440 mm long by 430 mm high, the handgun’s easily adjusted setting load and foolproof setting action ensure correct material piercing and fastener installation under all conditions. The tool will set up to 200 nuts or studs from a single battery charge and can be fully recharged in around 30 minutes.

“With the ability to self pierce and set up to M8 fasteners, the new handgun caters for around 80% of all our fastening products,” claimed Profil UK’s sales manager, Adrian Ellis. “Through its versatility and ease of use, I am confident it will open up the benefits of pierce fastening to many new sectors of manufacturing industry.”

Come and meet Profil (UK) at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Adhesive tapes provide seal in air pressure test

Working with the construction industry, Ideality Consultants has recently shown the importance of air tightness and air permeability in timber frame construction. A block of flats, still under construction, require an air pressure test to just part of the timber shell.

Ideality Consultants provide technical assessments in a range of services and for this project provided guidance and recommendations for implementation into the project, offering straightforward and economical risk reduction. The development team paid particular attention to the importance of junctions, sealing and product specification to ensure the design targets have been achieved. Air tightness has been ensured by the use of a vapour control barrier sealed with construction adhesive tapes designed and manufactured by Lohmann Technologies UK.

The construction adhesive tape was also used to seal timber to timber junctions providing critical air tightness barriers.

Come and meet Lohmann Technologies UK at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Vandal-resistant swing handles are sealed for outdoor use

FDB Panel Fittings can now provide IP65 sealed swing handles with enhanced security for use on electrical, electronic and telecommunications cabinets. These fittings are designed for applications where security is a significant concern, especially when cabinets are exposed and accessible to the general public and for outdoor installations exposed to the weather where sealing is important.
 
The handles feature electromechanical operation, with anti-vandal design features and reinforced construction such that they comply with the European DIN V ENV 1630 Class II standard security test. This standard relates to the resistance level of doors against force using tools of class WK2, such as screwdrivers, pliers and wedges. Two versions are available, one with single lock cylinder and the other with dual cylinders to permit opening with either one of two keys. Exceptionally fine tolerances prevent insertion of tools.
 
Operation requires a power supply or mechanical activation which may be provided under control of an existing central access management system, thereby enabling maintenance of an event log and update of access protocols. An LED indicates when the handle is ready to be opened and remains in that condition for 20 seconds with locked/unlocked status displayed on the LED.

Improved welding wire for steel applications

A general purpose metal active gas spooled welding wire from Murex Welding Products produces quality welds with good radiographic and mechanical properties and is ideal for welding most mild and carbon-manganese steels such as Lloyds grades A to EH (up to EH32).

Bostrand LW1 is a mild steel copper coated material and is available in 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.6 mm diameters and uses argon/carbon dioxide mixtures or straight CO2 as the shielding gas. In addition to improved arc stability, the wire has uniform feed properties and no problems with copper flaking or reduced corrosion risk. It therefore has an improved storage life.

This welding wire has a number of approvals including ABS : 3YSA (M21); BV : SA3YM (M21) CE EN 13479; LR : 3S, 3YS DNV : 111 YMS.

Staytite celebrates 30 years in the fastening business

Established in 1978, Staytite is a family-owned business with 30 years experience and expertise in industrial fastening applications. The company trades from a purpose built industrial headquarters in High Wycombe and supplies a broad range of sectors including the automotive, aerospace, hand tool, white goods, electronics and telecommunications industries.

In celebration of this significant milestone, the company has announced the acquisition of Andover based fastener company Portafix by parent company Staytite Holdings. Managing Director Andrew Black says that the acquisition will enable Staytite to build on its technical fastener expertise and experience, by combining the logistical and ‘C’ class components capabilities of Portafix.

Since its inception, Portafix has built up a reputation that has made it first choice for locally purchased fasteners and fixings. The product range has grown and now includes both standard and special fasteners, ‘C’ class components, packaging, tools and PPE. The company has also become experienced in Kanban just-in-time deliveries and supplying custom kitting to its vast customer base.

Last year Staytite spotted increased demand for its products in the Far East, as a result opened a logistics centre in Hong Kong. This new base has let the company offer next working day deliveries to China, which is an ever increasing market for Staytite.

Come and meet Staytite at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Joint venture will benefit from emerging Asian markets

Fastener specialist Fabory has agreed a joint venture with Sterling Tools, a manufacturer of high tensile cold forged fasteners for the Indian automotive industry. Sterling and Fabory will each hold a 50% stake in the new company and intend to benefit from the fast growing demand for non-automotive fasteners in the emerging markets in South Asia.

Sterling Fabory will act as the exclusive distributor and value added services provider of the Fabory product range in South Asia. The company’s facilities are located at Faridabad, India and will be run by local staff.

"The joint venture with Sterling provides us with an excellent partner to distribute our complimentary products and services to the fast growing Indian market,” commented Oswald van den Belt, Fabory’s CEO. “It also enables us to support our global customers who are significantly increasing their activity level in India and require the type of local support the joint venture will provide," he added.

Sterling has the knowledge of operating and selling in India, and Fabory, which was founded in 1947, will make its knowledge of global sourcing and supply chain management available to the new company. With its head office in Tilburg, The Netherlands, Fabory offers more than 50,000 different fasteners, 10,000 industrial supplies, and 20,000 different tools.

Get stuck in at the RAF Museum Hendon

For most applications, a standard adhesive product will create an effective bond but only providing that the adhesive is from the right technology group and is suitable for the job in hand. Using an incorrect adhesive technology is probably one of the most common causes of joint failure.

Henkel is a worldwide specialty company that provides engineering adhesives, sealants, equipment and coatings for industrial production and maintenance applications. Its brands, which include Loctite, Teroson and Plastic Padding, are found in markets as diverse as automotive, electronics, aerospace, machine building and medical devices, as well as many fields of general industry.

The company’s leading brands will be on display at the forthcoming Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum Hendon and technical specialists will be on hand to discuss how adhesives can provide a solution to a wide range of applications. The show will offer a great opportunity for those with bonding, sealing, retaining, threadlocking or gasketing problems to find the answers to their specific applications.

Come and meet Henkel at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Popular quarter turn locks get IP66 sealing

A tried and tested series of quarter turn locks from EMKA has received a significant upgrade which enables an improved level of sealing. Customers may now order the 1000 series with sealing to IP66. Panel builders can now achieve higher sealing specification for completed cabinets, which is demanded for food processing industries and outdoor environments where high levels of sealing are required to meet safety considerations so as to protect against driving ran and hosing-down with power washers.

The sealing upgrade is achieved by use of additional internal O-rings and a door mounting seal, which ensure ease of operation as well as improving sealing. The IP66 upgrade may also be used either as a retrofit installation or in production by specialist builders who may chose to carry the standard IP65 lock type for general use and then to specify the IP66 kit for hasher environments. This can greatly simplify all levels of the stocking and fitting process.

The series has an extensive range of insert locks to suit, from triangular, double-bit, square, hexagonal, slotted, crown to hex with centre pin, and other specialist types for rail, automotive and to complement Eastern European specifications. And the 1000 series is claimed to be easy to assemble. Since they use a single door cut out, the assembled lock may be readily inserted from the front of the cabinet and the locking nut slid over to complete installation in two easy steps.

Technology allows a shorter rivet nut

Bulge Control Technology (BCT) allows designers to use shorter rivet nuts and is arguably changing the face of the fastening industry. The patented design removes some of the limitations that prevent traditional rivet nuts from being used in a variety of common application settings.

Zygology, a leading supplier of fastening and assembly solutions, has a customer who wanted to install an M5 rivet nut into a tube with a 12 mm OD and 10 mm. All the standard rivet nuts they tried failed due to the tight radius and the reduced blind side clearance. Basically they were too long.

A reduced length BCT was installed which overcame these issues. This particular fastener is well suited to applications where either blind side clearance is restricted or where blind side protrusion must be kept to a minimum. However, due to the BCT technology, the product still yields thread strength suitable for use with grade 8.8 bolts. 

Tubular steel is used in great volume. The size used in this case is one of the most common sizes in Europe and is frequently used in the manufacture of items such as metal furniture. BCT rivet nuts can also be installed into almost any material including GRP, most plastics, wooden board, carbon composites as well as all metals.

Come and meet Zygology at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Customer demand spawns Flangeform’s big brother

BAS Components will be showing its portfolio of high performance threaded and non-threaded fasteners for use in aluminium and steel at the Hendon Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition. A broad range of the company’s offerings will be available for inspection including the flagship fastener range of in-die nuts and studs has been developed for use with thinner and more ductile materials.  The Flangeform product is significantly lighter than its competitors and is thought to be particularly cost effective for the customer.

Last year BAS Components identified a need for a system with high pull out resistance that would suit a heavier gauge of material than existing products. Since then the company’s design team has been busy developing a high strength captive fastener system that would suit heavier duties than its existing Flangeform range.

They came up with Gripform, a heavy duty captive nut which offers a large area behind the plate to provide a very high pull out resistance while retaining a small body to save cost and weight as well as offering a flush surface on underside. This not only makes for a good joint interface and therefore joint integrity but also leaves a cosmetic finish without obstruction.

Also on display will be a range of cold-headed products and ‘manufactured to print’ products demonstrating the company’s ability to significantly reduce costs.

Come and meet BAS Components at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Clinch fastener suits thin metal assemblies

PennEngineering tells us that its PEM self-clinching concealed-head studs and standoffs can be installed permanently in steel or aluminium sheets as thin as 1.6mm to provide strong and reusable threads for mating hardware in a wide range of thin-metal assembly applications. 

The product’s concealed-head feature contributes particular design benefits by allowing the side of the sheet opposite installation to remain smooth and untouched.  This feature additionally serves to satisfy applications where the sheet must remain completely sealed from air, liquid, dust, gases, or other potentially infiltrating elements.

The aluminium or stainless steel studs are available in a wide variety of thread lengths  in M3 through to M5 and in Imperial equivalents. Stainless steel standoffs are offered in M3 to M6 in lengths from 4mm to 25mm. These fasteners are RoHS-compliant and some stud types meet NASM63540 specifications. 

Detailed specifications and free part drawings can be accessed from the Internet.

Hose clip ranges displayed at point of sale

Two new counter dispensers have been developed by JCS Hi-Torque to assist their customers with point of sale material for the popular Hi-Grip hose clip ranges. Where space is at a premium JCS offers the option of two counter dispenser, both of which hold 100 pieces of either Hi-Grip zinc plated hose clips (Z1) or Hi-Grip Stainless hose clips (S1) from sizes 12mm to 50mm in units of 10.

Both counter dispensers are supplied complete with one JCS flexible shaft screwdriver. Two new larger counter dispensers are also available that hold 160 pieces of Hi-Grip zinc plated or Hi-Grip Stainless hose clips from sizes 12mm up to 100mm again in units of 10 pieces. These are also supplied complete with one flexible shaft screwdriver.

Both counter dispenser types are made from strong wire and are very sturdy with coloured header boards in either blue to denote Hi-Grip zinc plated hose clips or green for Hi-Grip Stainless. There are keyhole slots at the back of each dispenser to facilitate wall hanging should the customer prefer.

Thermal spot curing system on show at Hendon

Jenton International is an expert in UV curing technology, supplies UV curing lamps, large and small, UV spot curing systems, UV conveyors and custom engineering. In addition, Jenton can supply and advise on UV measurement and UV adhesive materials.

At the Hendon Exhibition, the Jenton International will be showing a thermal spot curing system that is a viable alternative to thermal ovens that can provide the appropriate heat for just the right amount of time to thermally cure adhesives. Richard Little, managing director of the company explained: “The iCure system is ideally suited for complex devices where localised curing must be achieved without heating adjacent components.”

Jenton International was recently appointed UK distributor for the IRPhotonics iCure AS200 Thermal spot curing system, which uses infrared light to generate heat, the iCure thermal spot curing system is tailor-made for automated manufacturing processes requiring rapid adhesive curing and localised heating of bonded assemblies.

The system features inline fibre optics that provide heat by Infrared radiation, delivering pinpoint control for temperature sensitive substrates and complex devices.  The system has a 200 W lamp with up to 90 W/cm2 and can decrease thermal epoxy curing times to seconds rather than tens of minutes. Batch processes can be fully automated by attaching the flexible light guide to a robotic arm.

Come and meet Jenton International at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Tool-less technique saves time and money

At next month’s Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, DIRAK will be showing some of its Snap-Line products including: hinges, handles, locks and latches, and other fasteners which allow for tool-less assembly. With D-Snap technology, it is possible to install hardware without the use of tools or traditional mounting hardware. Snap-in elements are integrated into a housing component and are wedged into the cutout, thereby providing a secure and vibration proof installation. This technology is a new way for companies to save money and reduce inventory. Dirak believes that users can save up to 90% of hardware installation time.

A recently introduced electro-mechanical swinghandle from Dirak is designed for applications where security is a concern especially in cabinets that are exposed to weather elements and accessible to the general public. To open the device, there must be a power supply or the profile cylinder must be mechanically activated. The power supply is provided with authorisation on an existing management system.  An LED indicates when the handle is ready to be opened. The handle can be opened within 20 seconds and the locked/unlocked status appears in the LED.

Come and meet Dirak at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Locknuts for critical applications

SPS Technologies supplies high-strength fasteners for commercial and military aircraft, jet engines and other applications requiring reliability and uniformity.
The company’s Aerospace Fasteners Group has just announced the availability of large diameter locknuts for use in critical applications, which will come in diameters from 7/8 in to 6 in diameters. Customers can choose between hex, 12 point, spline, castellated, and full and thin height FLEXLOCR all-metal self-locking configurations.

Available materials include carbon and alloy steels, corrosion resistant steel, brass, aluminium and superalloys for high temperature and corrosion resistant applications.  The company says that product engineers, supported by an experience staff, are available to offer technical assistance in fastener design and material selection.

Improved welding wire for steel applications

A general purpose metal active gas spooled welding wire from Murex Welding Products produces quality welds with good radiographic and mechanical properties and is ideal for welding most mild and carbon-manganese steels such as Lloyds grades A to EH (up to EH32).

Bostrand LW1 is a mild steel copper coated material and is available in 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.6 mm diameters and uses argon/carbon dioxide mixtures or straight CO2 as the shielding gas. In addition to improved arc stability, the wire has uniform feed properties and no problems with copper flaking or reduced corrosion risk. It therefore has an improved storage life.

This welding wire has a number of approvals including ABS : 3YSA (M21); BV : SA3YM (M21) CE EN 13479; LR : 3S, 3YS DNV : 111 YMS.

Small locks for small cabinets

Popularly known as mini-locks, EMKA’s 1022 series of quarter-turn locks have the style and capability of their big brothers in a miniature package suitable for smaller cabinets, wall mount enclosures, access panels or other housings. They are very useful where space and design limitations demand easy operation as well as a good level of rugged serviceability. The 1022 program locks are also available with additional sealing rings for applications where protection to IP65 is important and for dust environments a special cap can further improve sealing capability.

Mini-locks are quick to fit and feature either a standard 14mm square hole for nut fixing, or a 15x18mm double D hole suitable for spring fix lock bodies and so enabling extra quick installation in production situations (not to IP65).

In order to cover a wide range of operational needs the 1022 program can be supplied with cylinder locks/inserts to take square or triangular keys, or slotted for screwdriver opening. Often the wing knob design is preferred since it enables a greater turning/closure force for improved gasket pull-down and enhanced sealing. The wing knob style offers easier operation, when wearing gloves.

Since these locks are expected to be used in many variable applications, EMKA offer the 1022 in zinc die with black powder coat or chrome finish, as well as in stainless steel, or in reinforced polyamide.

Touch heritage, take lunch,  fasten better!

The RAF Museum Hendon is host to the next Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, which takes place on Thursday March 11th. Easily accessible from the M25, visitors will find that outside rush hour it takes less than 20 minutes to get to the Museum from the M25/M1 interchange. Exiting the M1 at J4 is the easiest route, which is well signposted.

There is plenty of free parking at the RAF Museum Hendon, and in addition to free entry to the exhibition, visitors can also take in the fantastic Museum itself for no charge. Manufacturing professionals who pre-register in advance also have the advantage of a Complimentary Luncheon voucher worth £5.

Check out the new exhibition website by visiting www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Pass the stapler!

The Arrow Fastener Company, is a leading manufacturer of manual and electronic staple and nail guns, glue and rivet tools for the building trade professional and do-it-yourself markets. Founded in 1929, the company quickly became synonymous with its heavy duty steel staple gun, the T50 which has been around for more than five decades. With its manufacturing facilities based in Saddle Brook, NJ and Canadian and European operations the company has grown to currently market a full line of manual and electric staplers, brad nail guns, hot melt glue guns, hammer tackers, rivet tools, accessories and fastening supplies for all of its tools, many of which were designed for a specific application to make the job easier.

Toolbox, which claims to be the fastest growing online tool retailer in the UK is to become an Arrow Fasteners stockist. The company will advertise Arrow products using Google Adwords and shopping comparison websites, hoping that the low prices its has achieved from bulk buying will lead to some good conversions. Details of the website can be found by clicking the Enquiry button below.

Lee Taylor, general manager of Toolbox thinks the Arrow T50 stapler is probably the world’s best selling staple gun so deciding to take on the entire Arrow fasteners range was not a hard decision. “In spite of this being the computer age, we still need to use paper documents for many things, both business and private. How can you keep everything together without worrying?”

Christmas tree stud has production advantage

Pierce fastening and assembly specialist Profil (UK) will be showing its recently launched SZB stud at the forthcoming Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, being held at the RAF Museum Hendon on March 11th. The stud is described as a fast and secure anchor post for plastic or metal clips used to secure trim, insulation, hydraulic pipework or electrical wiring runs to sheet metal components. Claimed ideal for automotive industry, electrical equipment or domestic appliance use, the new fastener features an asymmetric buttress – Christmas tree – style thread that provides simple push-on, screw-off location for the secondary fasteners. 

The anchor has an industry-standard 5 mm core diameter and installed height of 15 mm and is dimensionally equivalent to standard welded fasteners. It can be inserted automatically in pressed components as part of their production process at rates of more than 100 fasteners per minute. SZB studs will self pierce up to 1.5 mm steel and can be mounted in pre-pierced materials up to 3.0 mm thick. Unlike welded alternatives, the anchors are equally suitable for use with coated or uncoated materials, including high tensile, stainless and sandwich steels, aluminium sections and magnesium castings.

Come and meet Profil at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Blind riveting technique reduces service demand

When Gesipa launched a universal jaw mechanism for its blind riveting tool, the design was considered a breakthrough. The mechanism allowed different sizes and types of rivet to be easily accommodated, extending the working life of the jaws and reducing demands for service and maintenance.

With the company's range of Taurus blind riveting tools, the likelihood of jamming is minimised due to the precise guiding action of the latest jaw design. And what's more, application of gripping pressure, through an air-hydraulic actuation, is directly on the mandrel of the rivet while supporting the flange of the rivet during the operational cycle.

The design is thought to be one of the lightest available on the market and with an almost undetectable recoil action minimises operator fatigue. Also incorporated within Taurus is an air-suction control that enables the rivet to be retained in the jaws of the tool when used vertically.

There are now four models of Taurus models, covering rivet sizes up to 0.25in.

Come and meet Gesipa at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Suspending pipes in HVAC systems

A spring suspension mounting system from Advanced Antivibration Components is designed to isolate suspended products that weigh from 22 up to 705 lb. A popular use for these vibration isolators involves their use in suspending piping in heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications.
 
There are 11 mounts identified as the V11Z71MKSH. The series is constructed with a zinc-plated steel housing while the spring is made from hard drawn steel that is painted. The lower plate is made of neoprene.

By having rubber on both ends of the coil spring, the unit can reduce vibrations for a wide range of frequencies. They are best suited for hanging from ceilings small machines such as fans, distribution pipes and ducts. The AAC eStore has full price and availability details and a facility to place an online order. Customers can also download 3-D models and request a quote at anytime. Click the enquiry button for website details.

Cost-effective solution for outdoor electrical insulation

Huntsman has launched an hydrophobic epoxy-based shed material for composite insulators, Araldite S-HCEP, which is a semi-flexible material that has been developed for composite insulators. Chemically, the material is a shed hydrophobic cycloaliphatic epoxy, which performs as an insulating outdoor system that can be used as housing material for the reinforced fibre core of composite insulators.

The semi-flexible nature of the material helps to absorb the stresses that occur in composite insulator applications.  The system has a mix ratio of 1:1 by volume making it suitable for the same meter mix equipment as used for liquid silicone rubber, which is a significant advantage over standard epoxy applications as no stirring, degassing or pre-heating is required. This makes processing easy with only the simplest equipment. No primer treatment of the rod is necessary either as the epoxy adheres well to this.

The formulation of the system has good tracking and erosion resistance as well as good water diffusion break down strength. These advanced characteristics make Araldite S-HCEP suitable for medium to high voltage insulation applications offering manufacturers an attractive cost base with low material and processing costs

Car makers favour quick acting fastener

One of Europe’s leading fastener manufacturers and suppliers, Unifast, is now delivering its range of cold formed high strength captive nuts and quick acting fastening systems directly in the UK.

FAST turn quick acting fasteners are widely used where rapid assembly and disassembly of serviceable installations is required. Simplicity of use and low cost make it an ideal solution for high volume users. The product is used as a quick acting panel fixing fastener system by manufacturers throughout the automotive, aerospace and other industries. With a slip-on receptacle and a simple quarter turn to click the fastener securely into place, the FAST turn is easy to fit and cuts down the number of tools needed in application saving you time and money.

The automotive industry uses the fastener to retain engine covers and noise shields on a variety of motor vehicles. And other applications include: electrical cabinets, air conditioning units, compressors and inspection panels

The company’s publicity claims that more and more manufacturers are using FAST turn to reduce costs, enhance their products and provide added value to their customers.

Come and meet Unifast at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition, 11th March 2010, at the RAF Museum Hendon. Pre-register for the show at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk

Speedy gasket replacement for vessels and heat exchangers

A self-forming material available in a range of sections allows gaskets to be fabricated in-situ for high temperature and high pressure applications.  Introduced by Garlock Sealing Technologies, Graph-Lock joint sealant helps to avoid costly downtime associated with prefabricated gaskets.

The joint sealant is a stainless steel foil and carbon fibre reinforced yarn encapsulated in graphite and is available on spools in lengths of 8 and 15 m. The product is designed to be applied to a sealing face and joined with a skive cut – even gasket ribs can be made by overlapping joints and pressing together.

A highly compressible material that never hardens or dries, sections are available as square semi-round and rectangular. On compression a homogeneous mass forms at the joint providing a highly efficient seal at temperatures up to 1,000°C and pressures up to 310 bar.

Typical applications include shell and tube heat exchangers, particularly where they are positioned in confined spaces. The system avoids the need to remove the tube bundle as there is no need to pass the tubes through the gasket as with conventional metallic gaskets.  Removal of the head and slackening of the tubesheet to access the shell seal face is generally all that is required saving many hours of plant down time.

Control Knobs in four standard options

Four standard configuration options of control knob are now available from All Metric Small Parts (aMsp) for specific applications. Products are stocked with and without handles and 0-100 scales, plus with and without handles and/or scales and are available in diameters of 50 mm, 60 mm and 70 mm. 3-D CAD models are available for download at the aMsp Web site.

The aMsp online eStore allows customers to choose from a wide selection of control knobs, knurled knobs, dimpled knobs, wing knobs, triangular, scallop knobs, spherical knobs, and many more. aMsp offers an extensive selection of all metric standard industrial machine components. Products other than knobs include: door latches, panel latches, cabinet latches, boat latches, handles, hand wheels, cranks, grips, levers, locks, catches, hinges, screws, washers, springs, keys, plungers, pins, levelling and support feet. The company says that all its products are 100% RoHS compliant.

FIP gaskets can be cheaper than you think

Form-in-place (FIP) gaskets have been part of the mainstream enclosure industry for many years but the cost and physical size of robotic application has been a major constraint for SMEs – until now. Engineers at Intertronics have focused on bench-top robotics and matched compliant gasket materials to provide low cost equipment to suit boxes or housings from 200mm x 150mm, such as junction boxes, electronic housings and even small mechanical gearboxes.

They have dramatically cut entry cost to around £4,000 on the smallest – with larger equipment running right up to 800mm x 600mm machines. FIP gaskets are a recognised, well proven, low cost and high speed cure alternative to manually applied O rings or expensive, complex pre-moulded gasket. However, FIP is a process that is impossible to achieve successfully by hand. For successful application the  user will need an I&J Fisnar bench-top robot, which has the flexibility to program quickly, save programs and change set-up at the push of a button.

Matched by Intertronics with RTV silicones from ACC Silicones and light-curing gasket materials from DYMAX, this equipment enables complex 2D and 3D gasket.

Coating maximises corrosion protection for steel fasteners

A chrome-free, bimetallic corrosion protection coating system that combines inorganic basecoat with organic topcoat for barrier protection has been developed by Erico. The Caddy Armour coating system, which self-heals, is UL-recognised and RoHS-compliant and offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance for fasteners and other steel components.

Utilising a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled process, the coating is applied consistently to each part, enabling up to 10 times greater corrosion resistance performance. Corrosion resistance is proven through the ASTM B117/DIN 50021 salt spray and GM 9540P accelerated cyclic corrosion tests.

Erico is a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of precision-engineered speciality metal products serving niche markets in a diverse range of electrical, construction, utility and rail applications.

Anti-vibration stainless steel latch is IP65 sealed

FDB Panel Fittings is increasingly being asked to supply stainless steel locks and latches for external vibration prone applications. In response to this demand, the company has launched a low profile latch in stainless steel, designed for use on access panels and doors on mobile plant, static and moving machinery, mobile generators, vehicles, HVAC units, floor access maintenance panels and specialised installations such as wind turbines.

New ranges of composite compression springs for 2010

Lee Spring wished us all a Happy New Year with the launch of a suite of compression springs produced in a plastic composite in the first week of 2010. 

Trademarked LeeP, the springs have been developed in response to customer demand for a combination of the strength of metal with the special attributes of high performance engineered thermoplastics. The springs are manufactured in Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) resin, produced by Sabic Innovative Plastics, and will be available in a variety of formulations.  PEI was chosen following years of engineering design and materials research by the company’s technical team in the USA.

Plastic composite springs offer many advantages including stability of physical and mechanical properties up to 170oC, high strength to weight ratios and excellent corrosion resistance. Additionally they are non-magnetic, offer dielectric insulation, low flammability and are recyclable as well as RoHS and Reach compliant. They will be available in a variety of standard sizes and six colour coded strengths: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, the strongest.  Custom design options to meet precise performance requirements will also be offered.

As components get smaller so do the size requirements for springs. Lee Spring has responded to the challenge of miniaturisation by introducing the Bantam range Mini compression springs and will soon announce the availability of smaller sized products within its stock spring range.

Designed to combine strength with corrosion resistance, the smallest Bantam Mini spring features a wire diameter size of 0.102mm just slightly thicker than a human hair.

Midland’s manufacturer diversifies into renewable energy sector

A hardware manufacturer – based in the UK’s Midlands has been hit hard by the downturn in the automotive sector but has transformed its fortunes by diversifying into new sectors and becoming an award winning business in the process.

The turnaround at Weston Body Hardware (WBH) in Redditch is even more remarkable as its entire 60 strong workforce has retrained over the past 20 months to meet the demands of new opportunities. While continuing to design and manufacture access control systems, WBH – part of the Metalrax Group – has expanded into the renewable energy sector, securing a major contract from Evance to make wind turbine assemblies for the Evance Iskra R9000, a small wind turbine designed to capture more energy at lower wind speeds.

Chief executive Roy Sims explained: “We contacted Evance and impressed them with our light mechanical assembly skills and how, through our robust and diversified supply chain, we could source and assemble parts of the wind turbine system. A key element in winning the business was demonstrating how we could achieve substantial cost savings and deliver the product into the marketplace far quicker than previously.”

The Evance Iskra R9000 model is helping schools, farms, businesses and homes around the world to become independent green energy producers, and to reduce their bills.

WBH’s success in diversifying during the recession has been recognised by a national awards programme launched earlier this year by the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation. The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2009 were created to reward enterprise, innovation, environmental performance and skills development among the UK’s 130,000 manufacturing businesses.

The Midlands’ regional awards – staged at the National Space Centre in Leicester last November – saw WBH become a regional runner-up in the Westfield Heath Skills Award category and also receive a Highly Commended in the British Gas Climate Change Opportunity section.

Flexible couplings available on the Internet

A series of metric Neo-Flex couplings from Advanced Antivibration Components (AAC) feature excellent torsional vibration isolation plus shaft-to-shaft insulation. The centres of these couplings  are made from 73 durometer moulded neoprene along with 303 stainless steel hubs. They are featured at the AAC eStore (click on enquiry button) where you can order online, request a quote, download CAD models, check stock plus view catalogue and technical pages.

They are stocked in two hub styles – conventional pin type hubs which use a set screw for fastening and a Fairloc version, which is a patented integral hub fastener that eliminates marred shafts. The choice of Fairloc hubs permits frequent phase adjustment, timing and position adjustment while adding positive metal-to-metal fastening strength along both hub sections.

The integral hub fastener consists of two slots that are machined into the hub, one radially the other angularly, to create a transverse wedge which remains attached to the solid portion of the hub on one side. The resultant cantilevered clamping section has a tapped hole to accept a cap screw which passes through a clearance hole in the solid portion of the hub, and into a threaded hole in the transverse wedge section. As the screw is tightened, the cantilevered section clamps the shaft securely. The screw can be tightened and released repeatedly without marring the shaft or affecting its torque-transmitting abilities.

Outdoor swinghandles are security tested

Dirak has introduced an electro-mechanical swinghandle, which is designed for applications where security is a concern especially in cabinets that are exposed to weather elements and accessible to the general public. To open the 2-102EL swinghandle, there must be a power supply or the profile cylinder must be mechanically activated.  The power supply is provided with authorisation on an existing management system.  An LED indicates when the handle is ready to be opened.

The handle can be opened within 20 seconds and the locked/unlocked status appears in the LED.A tight gap between the handle and the dish prevents the insertion of any tools to pry the swinghandle open and a reinforced edge surrounding the swinghandle adds protection against any attempts to pry the handle open. An additional latch bolt protects the handle from being tampered with and forcibly opened.

The swinghandle complies with the European DIN V ENV 1630 Class II standard security test,   which describes the resistance level of doors and windows against burglar attempts using class WK2 tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and wedges.

PEEK polymer tape selected for solder mask application

A film, made with Victrex PEEK polymer, has been selected by one of Taiwan's leading providers of high performance films and tapes for use as CMOS / CCD masks during SMT soldering for electronics and semiconductor industries. Talisman Industrial Tape Co has recently developed a protective tape based on Victrex APTIV film. In chemical and heat sensitive applications, existing protective tape has a tendency to etch the surface coating, leading to significant loss of properties.

The adoption of APTIV film on protective tape enabled Talisman to develop CMOS/CCD mask with excellent chemical and heat resistance capabilities enabling stable performance in harsh environments. Besides ensuring exceptional protection, the protective tape based on APTIV film also assists Talisman’s customers in increasing production capabilities and raising yield rate, especially in the SMT process.  “Victrex APTIV film significantly enhances our production capability,” said Richard Lin, General Manager of Talisman.  “After we finished the chemical process on one side of the wafer, we can laminate this film on the other side for protection. The film helps to increase the wafer from one-sided to double-sided capacity.”

Rugged hinges for harsh conditions

Trackway is a portable roadway system used by over 30 armed forces worldwide often in the harshest conditions imaginable. The system is manufactured in Anglesey by Faun UK, which has recently won a large order from a Southern European defence ministry. To satisfy the rugged requirements of the application, heavy duty hinges were specified for the vehicle mounted tool lockers for the Trackway system.

The portable roadway is manufactured from aluminium and can be rapidly deployable for use as temporary airfields, helipads and tank tracks. The system is also used for rapid runway repairs and amphibious and beach landings.  Commercial uses for Trackway include temporary access to areas without roads. The products are mounted onto a dispenser vehicle, which can deploy 32m of portable roadway in just six minutes.  The tools used in these operations are stored in lockers, fitted with heavy duty hinges from Camlock.

Faun is well known for its refuse collection and road sweeping vehicles but also manufactures the Trackway product for defence applications.  The company has been manufacturing military products for over 60 years and is part of the Kirchhoff Group, which has vehicle manufacturing plants in 12 countries.  Faun is well known for its refuse collection and road sweeping vehicles but also manufactures the Trackway product for defence applications.  The company has been manufacturing military products for over 60 years and is part of the Kirchhoff Group, which has vehicle manufacturing plants in 12 countries.

Low density potting epoxy saves weight

In many electronic applications the weight of potting electronics to protect  components against mechanical shock or the environment can be a very significant part of the overall weight of installed equipment.

With this in mind, Intertronics has come up with a light-weight epoxy technology which brings the density of the potting material down to 0.6. Known as “adhere” IRS2012, the material is not only very light but is also RF transmissive and effectively transparent to radio signals. It also exhibits good electrical properties, low cure shrinkage and chemical resistance, which together make the material suitable for potting aerials and related equipment.

The black two-part material is available in twin pack sachets which can be mixed and transferred to a syringe for precision application if required.

Disc springs provide reliable braking backup

Braking systems for off-road vehicles are commonly designed to be hydraulically actuated and in most cases, braking occurs when pressurised fluid compresses stationary plates against plates that rotate with the drive shaft.  The amount of friction between each set of plates controls the deceleration of the vehicle.  However, without an additional fail safe system, this design alone has limited reliability.  If a hydraulic seal is compromised, or the hydraulic cylinder loses pressure for any reason, the brakes fail.

To combat this problem, Spirol has developed a mechanical back-up design using disc springs. Under normal circumstances, the hydraulic system holds a constant pressure on disc springs stacked in series.  If pressure fails to be maintained, the stack decompresses to actuate the braking mechanism.  The reliability of this safety system is dependent on the consistent performance of disc springs. 

The disc springs have a high capacity to consistently store releasable mechanical energy. Their conical design makes their spring characteristics and performance more predictable than traditional compression springs.  They are also capable of providing more force in less space than a compression spring or wave spring.  They also allow fatigue endurance to be predicted.  Stress analysis enables the minimum cycle life of singularly or stacked disc springs to be calculated as a part of the application’s design.

No tools needed to fit plastics wing screws

Bülte plastic fasteners range now includes five new models of wing screws, which offer more than 160 possibilities. No tools are required to fit the screws which are finger tightened and claimed ideal for manual assembly.

The standard fasteners are made of nylon and are resistant to various chemicals while exhibiting good mechanical properties including wear resistance, low friction coefficient, high melting point and good impact resistance. They are also very light and can be used over a working temperature range of -30 to +100°C.

The screws can also be manufactured in other materials, such as PP, PE, PVDF and POM -- these materials are recommended for their good food and medical qualities. For high tensile strength and rigidity, a PA glass filled material is specified to replace aluminium and zinc in tapped parts.

The wing screws are available in sizes M5, M6, M8 and M10. Lengths vary from 6 to 80 mm. Samples and prices available on request

Castor suits light industrial equipment

The polyurethane tyred RE.FF range of castors from Elesa has technopolymer wheels, suitable for loads of up to 750kg and for use on floors of tile, asphalt, cement/resin or similar. They are likely to suit industrial trolleys or transfer equipment of many types.

The castor features a double ball race chassis in zinc plated steel or in stainless steel for arduous environments and minimal turning resistance – an important factor in initial alignment when moving from rest. Traditional swivel and fixed chassis are complemented by total lock braking versions which operate to prevent wheel turning as well as castor rotation. Wheel sizes are available from 80mm to 150mm dia with total height of 107 to 194mm.

Chemical resistance is good in relation to common industrial chemicals such as alcohols, glycols, weak organic and mineral acids, as well as water and saturated vapour, so ensuring efficient use and castor longevity in temperatures from -20°C to +80°C. Check the Elesa (UK) website for full details.

Steel panel fittings go stainless

Enclosure hardware specialists FDB Panel Fittings has announced a range of stainless steel locks, hinges and handles suited to petrochemical plants, hospitals, food processing establishments, medical environments, outdoor installations, marine and offshore industries. The range includes piano hinges, integral recessed lock/handles, weld-on hinges, bolt-on hinges, grab handles, spanner locks, rod locks, concealed hinges, lever and T handles.

Importantly for marine/offshore installation many are available in stainless grade 316 as well as the more common 303 and 304 with satin and electro polished finishes. Stainless steel panel fittings are suited for control cabinets, electrical equipment and instrument housings, especially where exposed to the elements or frequent wash down processes.

Fast solution for adhesives curing

Jenton International has been appointed UK distributor for the IRPhotonics iCure AS200 Thermal spot curing system, which features inline fibre optics that provide heat by Infrared radiation, delivering pinpoint control for temperature sensitive substrates and complex devices.

Using infrared light to generate heat, the iCure thermal spot curing system is tailor-made for automated manufacturing processes requiring rapid adhesive curing and localised heating of bonded assemblies.

Richard Little, managing director of Jenton International says the iCure AS200 system is a powerful alternative to thermal ovens that can provide the appropriate heat for just the right amount of time to thermally cure adhesives. “The system is ideally suited for complex devices where localised curing must be achieved without heating adjacent components,” he commented.

The system has a 200 W lamp with up to 90 W/cm2 and can decrease thermal epoxy curing times to seconds rather than tens of minutes. Batch processes can be fully automated by attaching the flexible light guide to a robotic arm.

Diode laser system suits plastics welding

The latest addition to ES Technology’s portfolio of Dilas products is a diode laser system suitable for quasi-simultaneous plastics welding. The Dilas Compact is available in two power options, 300W from a 200µm fibre or alternatively 400W from a 300µm fibre at 980nm.

These turn-key diode laser systems provide high reliability and up-time and are available with an industrial water-to-air chiller, power supply and an integrated control unit. The turn-key diode laser systems' features are controlled via 24V interface signals and the 19in rack mount configuration for the laser and cooling unit, allow easy integration for machine builders.

ES Technology is the United Kingdom and Ireland distributor for Dilas diode laser components.

Electronic access simplified

The Southco EA-K1 keypad access controller provides simplified, affordable, keyless entry to any basic electronic lock. The product eliminates the need for physical key management and provides higher security with user-friendly installation and programming. It integrates directly with electronic locks for a complete access management solution.

The controller has a programmable keypad which offers both audible and LED feedback and enables up to seven pass codes between four and eight digits from 99 million possible combinations. It accommodates multiple access arrangements with a programmable lockout feature and access time between one and 99 seconds. The feature can also be wired to trigger a separate alarm or record the event. To suit style and branding needs, the EA-K1 is available in custom colours or with any logo.

High temperature fastener has self-locking patch

US fastener specialist SPS Technologies is offering a range of aerospace fasteners featuring a high-temperature, non-metallic locking element. Nytemp self-locking fasteners break through the 250ºF maximum temperature associated with traditional self-locking materials and allow multiple cycle reuse capabilities in areas not previously possible.

The self-locking patch can be applied to various SPS nuts, screws, bolts, studs and special fasteners. And because they can maintain torque and clamp load stability in temperatures up to 450ºF, Nytemp self-locking nuts and bolts are ideal for assembly applications in aerospace, as well as use in automotive, appliances, small engines and other areas where heat of this magnitude is encountered.

The Nytemp system can work out less costly than some other self-locking parts because they do not require any drilling or milling and are not affected by water, anti-freeze, petrol, motor oil, diesel oil, various kerosene-based materials, hydraulic fluids or similar materials.

Website revamp simplifies online ordering

Precision manufacturer Ondrives has revamped its website to make it easier for visitors to navigate to specific product areas and order goods on-line. Products featured on the site include the standard range of red anodised gearboxes as well as couplings, clamps, linear motion parts, fasteners, bearings, anti-vibration products, springs, mechanical accessories. Also featured is the growing range of both precision and commercial gears, power transmission components, timing pulleys/belts and racks, launched earlier this year with the merger of Ondrives and Rino Industries.

Products are listed with extensive dimensional and technical information and know-how to ensure customers get the most detailed information possible on every individual part.
Visitors will also find the 3D designs of certain products available for download, enabling them to change and modify the design where required. Click on www.ondrives.com and see for yourself.

As for future developments, there are plans afoot for the site to include a section for customers to login and view orders, making the whole ordering process much easier and simpler.

Isolator tapes are effective over wide temperature range

A range of silicone gel tape and chip vibration isolators, which have been introduced by Advanced Antivibration Components, are designed for light to medium loads. Performance remains the same even after repeated use. They feature low resonance magnification and are stable with minimal horizontal deflection. They contain nothing harmful and are therefore considered environment-friendly.

An important feature of these metric isolators is their ability to operate effectively over a very wide temperature range of from -40° C to +100° C (-40° F to 212° F). They offer excellent chemical and weather resistance and are low in compression set and are perfect for use in narrow space applications.

The gel tape – identified as the V10Z62MGT – is stocked in 1000 mm lengths and in three thicknesses – 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm – each available in two widths: 10 mm, and 20 mm.

The V20Z62MGC chip isolators are priced per sheet of 25 chips and come in thicknesses ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm. Three sheet sizes are available: 10 mm x 10 mm, 15 mm x 15 mm, and 20 mm x 20 mm.

These low-cost materials are available at AAC’s eStore:http://www.vibrationmounts.com/Products.htm

Mechanical solution to gas strut unreliability

A mechanical stainless steel strut called the mStrut has been developed by Associated Spring as a reliable alternative to gas struts, which are widely used to ease the effort of lifting or lowering interior hinged bulkheads.

A perennial problem with gas struts, especially when used at low temperatures is that their efficiency degrades over time as seals deteriorate and gas leaks out. They become unreliable and eventually stop working and have to be replaced. Degradation can be sudden, leading to unscheduled maintenance and the costs of unplanned downtime.

“A mechanical strut offers a much greater flexibility in compression ratio than a gas strut,” explained Associated Spring’s engineering manager Chris Englefield. “High force gas struts result in more effort in movement at one end of the operation, either to pull down the bulkhead form the roof, or when lifting it up. We are able to offer a product which helps balance out the effort required and gives the operator fingertip control.”

The mStrut is available for fitting to any bulkhead with rod-end bearings as the standard. However, alternative end fittings can be incorporated. There is no risk of contamination from corrosion and there are no seals to replace. The stainless steel spring and housing is maintenance-free during normal operations and is guaranteed for 10-years.

Clinch fastener press gets new features

The Pemserter Series 4 press for installing self-clinching fasteners has been augmented with several new features, including laser pointer, stroke counter, and lockable cabinet for storage of tools and accessories. Machine builder PennEngineering believes that this press will suits short to medium production runs and enables safer, accurate, and cost-effective fastener installation compared with brake presses and other general equipment.

The press uses pneumatic power to deliver speed, consistency, and simple operation with only shop air required; a 45.7 cm throat depth provides clearance for a wide variety of chassis configurations; rapid tooling changeover capabilities save time during production; and an integral point-of-operation safety contributes to operator confidence and overall system integrity.

The press can permanently install self-clinching fasteners with thread sizes M2 to M10 in steel and sizes up to M12 in aluminium panels or circuit boards. Insertion force is adjustable from 4.5 to 53.4 kN to satisfy a wide variety of applications Options include anvil holders and special tooling that enables quick change between four different anvil tools.

Middle ground castor suits light loads

Elesa has been busy expanding its castor range of late and the latest introduction, the – RE.G1 – is likely to be a very welcome addition to the middle ground of the industrial castor market. It is designed to suit all kinds of light load applications where its grey non-marking thermoplastic tread and static/swivel/total lock configurations will endear it to users at all levels, while its simple low cost design will win friends in the manufacturing environment.

The product has direct bearing wheels with precision tube axles and rugged twin race zinc plated steel chassis. It is recommended for loads up to 250kg per castor and for use on tiles, asphalt, cement/resin or expanded metal in the presence of humid environments and medium aggressive chemicals at between -20°C and +80°C.

The range includes wheels from 80 to 150mm in diameter and overall heights from 107mm to 194mm.

Rod end bearings

By inserting a steel reinforcement into its rod end bearing, plastic bearings expert, igus has increased the tensile load capability by up to 50% when compared to its pure plastic versions. The recent introduction of the EBRM-16 V has extended the company’s range of dimensional series E igubal rod end bearings.

“With this option, igus is closing the gap between steel and plastic parts in terms of load capacity,” claimed Matthew Aldridge of igus UK. “Able to handle tensile loads up to 15kN, designers can replace steel rod end bearings with corrosion resistant and maintenance-free igubal alternatives – clearly a more cost-effective option.”

Typical examples of where igubal high tensile rod ends can be used include link arms and barriers used outside, particularly in solar power systems and facades, as well as pneumatic cylinders and drive mechanisms.

Industry queues for fastening solutions

Last week’s Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition saw peak-time queues forming at the entrance to the show, a sure sign that despite the ravages of recent trading conditions, manufacturing industry still has fastening and assembly problems to solve.

Hundreds of OEMs large and small, from household names in the aerospace sector to modestly sized fabricators from provincial towns, came to the National Motorcycle Museum to meet one of the best portfolios of fastener, fastening and adhesives exhibitors ever seen at the exhibition.

In 2010, the shows will once again take place in the Spring and the Autumn, with the Spring event moving to a superb new venue in an ideal location for visitors located in the South and the Home Counties – the RAF Museum Hendon. The show takes place there on March 11th. Situated less than 20 minutes from the M1/M25 interchange, the venue offers easy access and plenty of free parking. Pre-registered VIP visitors will also benefit from a Complimentary Luncheon Voucher. An exciting day out as well as access to some of the best fastening providers in the business awaits all visitors. A new exhibition website is being unveiled shortly with further details

Enhanced quarter-turn fastener provides quick access and high strength

The D8 DZUS Panex quarter-turn fastener from Southco replaces its D3 counterpart and offering improved strength, quality and cycle life over the previous model. Designed for quick access, the D8 fastens firmly into a receptacle with a simple quarter turn of the stud and features a new bail and wing design with a snap-on, ergonomic bail cover. Customers can quickly and easily install the vibration-resistant D8 fastener which features a precision fit and consistent orientation of head to cam.

Product Specialist Manan Patel explained how the D8 provides a drop-in replacement for current D3 customers. “Southco offers the D8 in customisable colours to suit a wide range of styles,” he added. “The new family delivers improved durability and better ergonomics.”

Patel believes that precision fit, aesthetics, strength, and flexible styling make this new fastener a leading choice for a wide variety of applications.

Self piercing pins save time and money

The assemblers and manufacturers can improve productivity and save time and money when fixing serial plates, cable ties and ground tags onto base metal without pre-drilling for rivets nor cleaning prior to using adhesives.

Metal-Tacks are specially hardened self piercing pins that make their own
hole to fasten light loads onto most hard castings and metals in a simple and easy procedure. A specially designed air hammer running at 5 bar forces the self piercing Metal-Tack pin firmly into the base material to provide a permanent fixture.   

The system is in every day use in the USA and throughout Europe in the automotive, aeronautical, oilfield and general engineering production industries, whenever fixing parts onto metal is part of the production process.

Metal-Tacks are distributed throughout the UK and Ireland by Network Fasteners from its new headquarters in South Wales. Visitors to the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition being held at the National Motorcycle Museum will have the opportunity of seeing the Metal-Tacks system in the flesh.

Coiled spring pins suit moulded nozzle application

A manufacturer of moulded plastic spray bottle nozzles for use in restaurants was looking for a way to make the adjustable spray tip tamper proof and prevent users applying too much or little solution. Spirol Industries came up with a solution involving pinning the nozzle in position.

The original problem was that the adjustment position of the spray tip varied from application to application. To achieve their aim of ensuring that the right amount of solution would be applied, the manufacturer did not want to alter the moulded parts or perform any secondary machining operations, such as drilling or punching holes. 

The pin inserter had to be extremely quick, and easy to use. Spirol determined that the hole could be created by using the pin to pierce the plastic during installation.  The swaged chamfers on the company’s coiled pin make an ideal reduced diameter for piercing the hole, while the larger body diameter of the pin enables it to retain itself securely in the assembly. 

The nozzle caps arrive to the Spirol’s Model PR Pin Inserter pre-adjusted for the proper piercing location.  The operator loads the components into the fixture and activates the machine.  The pin is installed, the machine retracts and resets.  No machine adjustments are required during installation.

Due to the rotational resistance provided by the pin, the end user cannot adjust the spray volume in the final assembly – making it tamper proof.

Moulded lift-off hinges

Moulded lift-off hinges from WBH have been specifically designed to prevent dirt and debris entering between the hinge halves and the pin, thus eliminating stiffness and uneven action. Using composite moulded materials it is possible for grooves to be provided in each face, enabling an ‘O’ ring to be fitted to create a hinge that is long-lasting and smooth acting in the most arduous of applications and environments. Additional benefits include complete corrosion resistance and a textured black finish.

The new models are ‘handed’ left and right, and are alternatives to WBH’s fabricated steel hinges. A stainless steel hinge pin is fitted as standard. Load test results give maximum working loads of 10-87 kN (Axial) and 2-42 kN (Radial). Endurance tests are also available on request.

Cold flows to ensure tight washer seal

The geometry of a range of metric locking and sealing washers from MicroPlastics creates interference both on the outside diameter (OD) of a hex nut and the inside diameter (ID) on the shanks or thread of the screw.

As the screw is tightened, the OD cold flows around the hex of a nut and the ID cold flows into the threads of the bolt or screw. The parts are moulded in nylon 6/6 and are currently offered in 13 metric screw sizes ranging from M3 to M8 and samples are available on request.

Permanent fix for metal sheets on PC boards

The latest PEM SpotFast fastener permanently joins metal sheets to PC boards or plastic panels and creates a flush-attachment connection without protrusions on either side. According to US manufacturer PennEngineering, these fasteners offer practical alternatives to riveting or adhesives and their rotational capability extends application potential with the fastener serving as a single flush-mounted pivot point.

Type SFK steel fasteners install flush with the top metal sheet and flush or sub-flush with the bottom panel. When used as a pivot point, the top metal sheet is captivated between the head of the fastener and the lower (non-rotating) panel. The fastener’s design features two separate clinch and knurl joining profiles holds the key. Squeezing the fastener into place using punch and anvil causes a cold-flow of the metal sheet material into the fastener’s clinch profile and a broaching fit of the knurled end into the PC board or plastic panel.

Boker’s adds 665 washer sizes

US stamping and washer specialist, Boker’s has available 665 new washer sizes, adding to the company's line of 23,000 non-standard washer and spacer sizes to provide endless solutions for a broad range of application requirements. Washers are available without tooling charges in short, medium or long runs.

With more than 90 years of industry experience, Boker's provides miniature washer sizes with outside diameters as small as 0.080in. For applications requiring larger sizes, options are available with ODs up to 12in. Washers are offered in a choice of more than 2,000 commonly specified and hard-to-find materials, including low carbon sheet steel, five types of spring steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and nickel silver. Non-metallics—such as ABS, acetal, polyester, nylon, PTFE, polycarbonate, fibre, polyethylene, and various phenolics—are also available.

Locking system enables remote operation

The range of electronic access control locks from EMKA continues to expand with two new swing handles just announced. These are likely to find application in indoor electronic racks, data centres and server cabinets as well as outdoor telecoms cabinets in remote situations where lack of keys and remote unlocking are seen as significant advantages.

The standard 1150 IP40 version features a removable cylinder cover for manual unlock override if needed. Normal operation is by remote release with a green LED indicating unlocked condition which remains active for up to one minute before automatically re-locking. The external use 1154 IP65 version additionally features a high degree of weather protection in a standard 170mm escutcheon and extra key possibilities.

Torque tool calibrator will print certificates

Norbar has launched what it terms the "ultimate" torque measurement, calibration and data archiving system. The system includes Torque Data Management System software, which allows the simple processing of data for analysis and retrieval and can even print calibration certificates.

Called T-Box, the bright red hand held and bench mounted torque measuring instrument boasts a user friendly, colour, touch screen interface and works as a data management tool for all torque controlled tools. It enables click, dial and electronic torque wrenches, stall tools, pulse tools, hydraulic torque wrenches and clutch tools to be calibrated by a simple touch of the screen. The specially developed Pulse Tool Mode uses a mathematical algorithm accurately to determine the output torque of impulse tools.

The built-in software package collates the test results and populates an electronic certificate which can then be transferred by Bluetooth to a PC for printing and archive storage. The computer link is a two way affair so that previous certificates can be uploaded to T-Box when the next calibration is due. With the ISO calibration mode selected, T-Box will guide the user through every step of ISO 6789, the standard for calibrating torque wrenches.

Cat walk fastening

A request from up and coming fashion designer, Pandora Bahrami, presented fixing and fastening experts, TFC Europe, with a somewhat unusual challenge. Pandora wanted to use a selection of retaining rings for her knitted and crocheted designs as a modern twist on traditional Iranian clothing. Pandora's collection reflected the contrast between both tradition and modern design and represented a fusion of her own background which is half British and half Iranian.

The designs certainly caught the imagination of the judges at Graduate Fashion Week who nominated Pandora‟s designs for the Visionary Knitwear Award and the Textiles award.

On helping Pandora, TFC Europe‟s Technical Director, Brian Goode commented: “I am never surprised at the versatility and range of uses for our products. They have been used attached to Mini Coopers flying down the Lillehammer ski slope in Norway, and on the Mars Lander probe touching down on the surface of the Red planet; so to find them used in a fashion collection, while unusual, does not surprise me. I am glad we could help Ms. Bahrami with her design and wish her great success with her future in the world of fashion.”

Oreca wins Silverstone 100km endurance test

With help from Huntsman Advanced Materials, the Oreca 01 Le Mans prototype racing car took the chequered flag and champions’ champagne at Silverstone’s beating off tough competition from Aston Martin.

Much rested on the pre-season work when RenShape SL resins were used to make 400 different configurations in just two months. RenShape BM 5055 tooling boards were also extensively employed for prototype moulds for carbon pre-pegs, and of course Araldite adhesives and composites - the front bonnet of the Oreca 01 is made of more than 15 parts, but looks like one part.

The Oreca car has won podium finishes throughout the 2009 season culminating in the win at Silverstone 1000km race on September 13th. The car finished a very credible fifth in the Le Mans 24 hour endurance classic last June.

Lighter anchor nuts to be launched at exhibition

Pierce and rivet fastening specialist Profil (UK) will be showcasing its brand new RSD series of self piercing nuts for sheet metal applications at the Fastening and Assembly Solutions Exhibition – to be held at the National Motorcycle Museum on 29th October.

The new RSD fasteners are available with M6 or M8 threads, capable of piercing up to 1.6 mm and 2.00 mm steel panels respectively. They incorporate a large flange for extremely high pull through resistance and typically achieve 16-20 Nm torque performance under production conditions, making them particularly suitable for automotive, electrical equipment, white goods and enclosure applications.

The new fasteners are 30% lighter than Profil’s popular RND series nuts and provide a flush finish on the exterior of the panel, optimising the contact area between assembled parts and minimising the risk of handling damage. With a shorter installed length than competitive products, the new anchors also offer additional cost benefits through the use of shorter screws in like-for-like assembly applications and reduced storage space requirements for stacked components.

Other products on show at the Fastening and Assembly Solutions Exhibition will include Profil’s recently-introduced NBR threaded stud and REN nut. Other applications on show will include the use of Profil RSN and RND high strength rivet nuts at the heart of an over-moulded bonnet latch assembly on Audi vehicles, as well as the provision of high strength anchorage points in the construction of modular buildings and a series of installations on Land-Rover, Mini and BMW models – in areas ranging from wing mirror retention to safety-critical engine, gearbox and subframe mountings.

Expanded prototype and short-run production capacity

The Orbitform Group has boosted capacity at its Jackson, Michigan facility to provide prototype services for the assembly of parts in a new application engineering laboratory. 

Specializing in forming, joining and fastening, the 6000 sq ft facility is staffed by two full-time engineers with a combined 35 years experience developing all types of fastening applications. Together they have reviewed over 25,000 applications.

The laboratory is equipped with over 30 of Orbitform’s standard impact, orbital, spiral, rollerforming, hot upset, MIG and resistance welding machines. This array lets Orbitform develop joining solution for every customer’s particular requirement. The company provides prototype services for the assembly of parts, specialising in forming, joining and fastening. Each application is scientifically analysed and precisely documented.

To celebrate the opening, Orbitform is offering first time customers up to 10 hours of free lab time for their process development services until November 1st.

An open and shut case for laser coding

Allen Coding Systems has custom designed an advanced laser coding system to solve an identification problem at The New Zipper, a division of YKK, located in Slough.

Operating at speeds of up to 60 prints per minute, an Allen K-1010 10-watt LASERSystem coder is being used to apply clear and resilient codes to the bottom stops of zips on life jackets, outdoor survival clothing, industrial workwear and service abandonment suits to facilitate fast and accurate traceability. Due to the nature of the application, it is vital that the unit produces a code that is clearly visible and can withstand the harshest conditions without being rubbed off.

Allen Coding was able to customise a laser coding solution to meet YKK’s requirements and to integrate the equipment into the production facility, a complex manual jig system was designed. The zip is put into a cassette or jig, which then slides easily under the coder. As well as the design and installation of the machine, Allen provided on-site training for YKK employees to support the project.

Laser coding technology can be used on a wide range of substrates including plastics, varnished and anodised metal, glass, paper, coated and printed cardboard. Day-to-day operation and programming is simple using the full colour touch screen terminal or optional handheld device, which enable quick product, package and code changeovers with minimum operator training and maximum uptime.

In addition, the laser incorporates a high speed marking head, Ethernet interface and integrated air-cooling system. By changing lenses, the marking area can be extended to 250mm x 250mm.

World’s First Integrated Bolted Joint Tension Control System

Failures of critical bolted joints can be disastrous and over 90% of all failures can be attributed to insufficient bolt tension at installation. Hytorc and James Walker RotaBolt have joined forces to launch what they describe as the world’s first fully integrated tension control system for assuring bolted joints. Described as fool-proof, the Integrity system quickly and easily installs its fasteners at the correct design tension without even having to remove the tool from the bolt during the process. Together the tool and fastener ensure that the correct tension is achieved every time and then fully maintained throughout the life of the bolted joint.

The two companies have developed Integrity as an integrated system with the science of tension control at its heart. It features the world’s first tightening tool to incorporate the technology used during the production of RotaBolt tension control fasteners within its specially developed checking device. The tool automatically senses when the special cap has locked on top of the fastener and then immediately cuts off the hydraulic tightening power. 

The new Hytorc tool with its accuracy and capability, coupled with RotaBolt’s tension control and 100% load test calibration delivers the speed and flexibility of fully integrated hydraulic torque tightening, combined with tension control accuracy to +/- 5%.

Disk couplings have no wearing parts

A new series of magnetic disk couplings from Sterling Instrument have no friction or wearing parts and do not uses electricity and no magnetic particles to leak. The series spans eight bore sizes ranging from 5 mm to 19 mm and are also availablea in comparable Imperial sizes. The couplings consist of two opposing disk halves with powerful rare earth magnets. The torque applied to one disk is transferred through an air gap to the other disk. Because of its simple flat design, one can have angular misalignment of up to 3 degrees or parallel misalignment of up to 7mm and still transmit nearly full rotational torque.

These 416 Stainless steel couplings incorporate an NdFeB, nickel plated magnet. The hub sections are offered singularly and are offered with or without a keyway and are fastened to shafts with a set screw. The coupling outside diameter ranges from 43.7 mm to 73 mm.

Sterling Instruments expects the couplings to find applications in the material handling area such as for conveyor belts and film transport. Machinery for capping of syringes or bottles, shrink wrapping, constant wire tension coil winding and film tensioning are other likely uses. Quotes, online orders, and 3D CAD models are available at the company’s eStore at: www.sdp-si.com/eStore.

Epoxy system makes faster yachts

Swiss boat builder Wacker-Werft wanted a faster yacht with a lighter and stiffer structure with less maintenance and the assurance of a longer life cycle. Boats made with epoxy resins have a number of distinct advantages including superior mechanical properties, long resistance to fatigue, increased resistance to osmosis offering less maintenance and much longer life cycles.

For the infusion of hull and decks of its latest design, Wacker-Werft chose the high performance Araldite Epoxy infusion system LY564 and Hardeners XB 3486/87 were chosen. And, for the assembly of all bulkheads, hull to deck joints and structures, a new thixotropic epoxy adhesive was used.

The new boat was designed to have a lighter and stiffer structure making it ideal for Regatta sailing. Huntsman worked with its Swiss distributor Astorit to supply new adhesive epoxy systems and to provide technical support.

Low cost epoxy is highly conductive

Eurobond Adhesives has developed an electrically conductive epoxy adhesive called Elecolit 3012. The material is a one component solvent free paste, which is silver filled to provide the conductivity. According to managing director Simon Dearing, the adhesive has especially good conductive properties and gap filling attributes. It can be processed via dispenser or screen printing and is ideally suited for populating PCBs, bonding chips and other electronic components and bonding electrical items used in white goods and automotive applications.

Elecolit 3012 will tolerate -40 to +200oC. It can be thermally cured in two hours at 100oC or at 150oC for just 10 minutes. This low cost material is available packaged in either syringes or containers.

Self-clinching studs in longer lengths and larger thread sizes

A family of RoHS-compliant large-sized self-clinching studs, which has been introduced by PEM, is intended for applications demanding high strength and reliable performance.  These robust clinch studs in lengths up to 152mm and thread sizes up to M14 offer a value-added capability allowing users to select from a wide range of variations to tailor fastener to application needs, says PEM.

The carbon steel or alloy steel studs typically will be specified for applications with especially high fastener torque out and pushout requirements.  Their large-diameter and strong heads help reduce compressive stress on panels and develop full thread strength in service.

The studs install without welding using any parallel acting press or automated equipment and embed securely and permanently in metal sheets or sections as thin as 0.91mm.  They can reliably attach components or assemblies in the agricultural, automotive and railway, construction, electrical, HVAC, and material handling industries.

More grip less waste

Permatex Europe has come up with an improved threadlocker, which uses a special gel formulation and a pinpoint applicator to eliminate messy liquids, while reducing wastage and clean up.  Technicians can put the threadlocker exactly where they want, especially in vertical applications and hard to reach places. The product will flow into threads more easily than solid stick formulations, but will not spill like liquid threadlockers.

Gel Twist Threadlockers are more effective than conventional lock washers, nylon inserts and other mechanical devices because they secure the entire fastener assembly against loosening from shock and vibration.  This means the fastener clamping forces are maintained as well as being protected from corrosion.

They couldn’t be simpler to use – remove the cap, turn the dial to expose from 3mm to 6mm of material, apply to fastener and close cap. Permatex boasts that Gel Twist provides total control on exactly how much and where the threadlocker is applied

Fasten better. Take lunch. Assemble here.

The next Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition takes place on 29th October at the National Motorcycle Museum Birmingham between 10am and 3pm.

Held in the Premier and Compton exhibition halls at the museum, this event is a ‘must see’ for manufacturing professionals of all disciplines – visitors can discover and discuss the latest innovations and developments to have emerged recently in just about every method of fastening and assembly ever invented.

This opportunity to see all the latest new products, evaluate new processes and meet new suppliers in one place at one time is not to be missed! To add value to a visit, the Organisers have also arranged for every pre-registered VIP Visitor to benefit from a  Complimentary Luncheon Voucher worth £5, as well as a Complimentary Museum Pass (otherwise priced at £6.95). Coupled with free parking right outside the door and free exhibition entry it promises to be a more rewarding opportunity than most to fasten and assemble better!

The next step in lockbolt evolution

Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS) has come up with a design which overcomes an inherent weakness in standard lockbolt fasteners. The BobTail fastener has no pin-tail and as a result of this zero pin-break, no waste material to collect and dispose of or potential corrosion issues post installation. 

The tooling, which can be used for both installing and removing fasteners, is claimed to be lightweight, low-noise and has a low-maintenance requirement. It provides a smooth installation sequence for a 16mm diameter fastener in just two seconds – twice as fast as any other large diameter lockbolt on the market, according to Jay Sahadew, marketing manager at AFS.

Commenting on the launch Sahadew said: “This fastening system has already proved very popular with US truck and commercial vehicle manufacturers such as PACCAR and Great Dane. Although there is specific tooling, existing Huck systems may be adapted and utilised to accommodate BobTail nose assemblies, reducing the cost of conversion.”

“BobTail’s speedy installation reduces wear and tear on tools and parts and the zero waste material eliminates extra time and effort required to collect and dispose of pin-tails” he added.

BobTail is currently available in steel as 4, 6.4, 8, 12, 14, 16 and 20mm diameters, with new materials and sizes planned for 2010.

Open days showcase dispensing developments

Hartlebury-based Dopag will open its doors on Wednesday October 14 and Thursday October 15 to show how new advances in adhesive dispensing technology can deliver a raft of value-added benefits to a wide range of manufacturing operations.

Run in conjunction with Europe’s largest robot maker Kuka, the events will include a number of live demonstrations, which will highlight how automating adhesive, sealant and grease dispensing applications can boost efficiency and achieve improvements in product quality and working conditions.

The company will show how integrating its latest proportional control valve in a display featuring a Kuka KR16 robot can effortlessly control the size of an adhesive or sealant bead with great accuracy regardless of any variations in the speed of the robot.
 
“The systems that we will demonstrate to our visitors during these open days represent a major investment in the introduction of new products. This is an important opportunity to find out how today’s advances in automated fluids handling technology systems are even more flexible and cost-effective than ever before,” explained Dopag’s Bob Jones.

To register your interest, telephone 01922 638822 or email: bjones@dopag.com. Places are limited so early booking is recommended.

More than 3,000 hardware solutions....

FDB Panel Fittings has re-launched its 3000 plus inventory of specialist industrial access hardware which features locks of many types from quarter-turn through compression locks/latches and combination to pin tumbler, padlocks and rod locks. Standard handle types are catered for, including grab handles, T, L, swinghandles and winghandles. Many panel fittings items are available in stainless steel 303, 304 or 316, making them suitable for use in chemical, food processing or marine situations where corrosion resistance, coupled to rugged performance are critical factors.

Company managing director Terry Cantle explained: “We work hard to ensure that we provide real added value – not only with our product, but also by consulting closely with customers in order to provide a proven and reliable single source. We not only ensure specifications are met, but also that costs are minimised.”

The Panel Fittings are used to secure various electrical enclosures, cabinets, electronic racks and control panels. The fittings are also used in HVAC equipment, amusement machines, retail displays, telephone and vehicle security. Alongside locks and handles the natural complement is a standard range of hinges which in this case provides a huge selection of internal, external, lift-off, piano, weld-on, bolt-on and clip-in types – again with stainless steel variants if required.

Three new fasteners from Make Ends Meet

Flexi-Nut is a new product from MEMFast which provides the strength and structural integrity of a Rivet Nut with the wide grip range of a Screw Anchors. Available currently in ‘pre-bulged’ version in M6 and M8 with grip range to 12.7mm, Flexi-Nut creates a strong, re-usable thread in sheet metal, plastic, GRP and composite materials by collapsing the four legs on the blind side of the panel.

The company has also released MEMSert, a swaging insert designed to provide load bearing threads in thick materials and blind holes. Available in M3 to M10, the insert features a mechanical locking mechanism for applications requiring a higher push through and pull out resistance and only needs access from one side of the workpiece. It can be easily installed using a spin action hand tool, which carries a lifetime guarantee.

A third product ST Threaded Inserts are self tapping one piece fasteners threaded both internally and externally, designed to repair damaged threads and create new threads in a wide range of components and materials. Their use can reduce the thread size required due to the insert’s large effective shear surface. This could save material as well as reduce cost and weight.

PC hosted torque calibration analyser

A personal electronic torque analyser from Torqueleader Torque Tools has been designed to interface with a PC or laptop via a USB connector and uses a robust Lemo connector. The PETA 4 can collect data, perform SPC analysis and display results directly into an Excel spreadsheet. Automatic reminders are sent via Excel which helps with re-calibration planning for torque tools.

Calibration certificates to ISO 6789:2003 can be created directly in Word. The operating modes include Track, Peak, First Peak and power tools testing modes. The Primary test function offers a quick Go or No go test for hand or power tools. It has memory storage capacity for torque tools and transducers with password protection and is compatible with most industry standard mV/V transducer. There are a range of transducer cables are available.

Coiled spring pins solve oil pump quandary

The automotive industry historically has used machined solid dowels to align various engine components to the block. The sole purpose of the dowels is to provide finished assembly alignment to the engine block. In an effort to reduce cost, total assembly weight and installation forces, a manufacturer approached Spirol Industries’ Applications Engineering Department to determine the best alignment pin for a new design of engine oil pump.

Following a comprehensive design review, Spirol recommended the use of a standard duty coiled spring pin as the alignment pin in the new oil pump application. Coiled pins are designed such that their pre-installed diameter is larger than the recommended hole. The diameter of the coiled pin is compressed during insertion which prevents deformation of the hole in the pump resulting in a good "press fit" between the pin and the hole. Once installed, the coiled pin retains itself by exerting constant radial force against the hole wall as it attempts to recover back to its pre-installed diameter.

By replacing the rigid solid dowel with a coiled spring pin, the customer was able to achieve the primary goal of reducing cost - the customer has realised an annual component cost savings of £25,000. Savings were also achieved through the reduction in hole preparation time, reduction in weight of the final assembly, lowering of installation forces and the decrease in total assembly time.

Locking bolt

Nigel Pritchett, Elesa, believes that the need for a simple locking bolt is being addressed by a new product introduced by the company. “The CKE has been designed especially for outdoor situations, from railway rolling stock to swimming pool covers.”

Featuring a glass-reinforced polyamide housing with a stainless steel bolt the new product can be fitted using plugged M5 bolts from the front or M5 bolts into integral tapped bosses from the rear.

Operation is by means of “a special Elesa-designed key system that offers a fold-away key or a more conventional ball-head key. The bolt is pushed into place until it ‘clicks’ and is released by the insertion of the key which does not need turning. Finish is in black and, when open, the bolt is red - easily seen as a reminder to secure equipment.

Self-clinching flush-head pins

PEM type TP4 self-clinching flush-head pins can be installed permanently in stainless steel sheets down to 1.00mm “thus helping to contribute to the achievement of thinner, lighter stainless designs”, says Michael Rossi, PennEngineering. “These fasteners satisfy a wide range of positioning, pivot, and alignment applications.”

Promoted by the company as “a practical alternative to welding” the pins are manufactured from 400 series stainless steel. They resist corrosion and are heat-treated.

“As far as installation is concerned the pins are placed in prepared mounting holes, then squeezed using a PEMserter tool or standard press. The chamfered end of the pin makes alignment of the mating hole easy”, says Michael Rossi. “Once installed, the pins create a flush-head assembly and lock securely with high push-out resistance. They become a permanent part of the stainless assembly.”