Threaded bar

The ranges of threaded bar available from A. Perry include mild steel 3mm diameter to 48mm diameter, high tensile steel grade 8.8 6mm diameter to 42mm diameter, stainless steel in A2 and A4 3mm diameter to 24mm diameter, and brass in grade CZ121 3mm diameter to 20mm diameter.

The company is promoting the fact that it offers “the widest range of sizes, materials, finishes, and thread types and specialises in meeting short lead-times”, says Alan Dunnaker, sales director for threaded bar.

Added-value services include the supply of bar machined to customer-specified lengths, left-handed threads, and tie bars. In addition, the company stocks ancillary fittings such as hexagonal connectors, wedge nuts, and channel and spring nuts.

Epoxy resin system

Master Bond has developed an epoxy resin system (EP121CL) for use up to 260ºC. The two-component, optically clear, low viscosity system features high thermal stability, superior electrical insulation properties, and dimensional stability for casting, sealing, potting, encapsulation, and impregnation applications says Master Bond’s James Brenner.
Especially highlighted by the company are the system’s  mechanical properties - 12,100lb/in² in tensile strength, 17,200lb/in² in compressive strength.

The product cures to a tough and strong solid with excellent long-term durability and chemical resistance, says James Brenner, “even when exposed to adverse environmental conditions. There is no cracking or separation of properly cured EP121CL resin for metal, glass, etc. over a wide temperature range.”  It can be used in optical and fibre-optic applications.

Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition - another cracker!

Once again the exhibition delivered on its promises to OEM visitors by providing a useful combination of an interesting venue, a large number of exhibitors to meet, and a huge number of fastening products, processes and methods available to discuss for just about every industrial and engineering application. 99% of the visitors who took the time to complete the Visitor Questionnaire said that their time spent at the show had been useful, and many of them also added some comments too:

“I find this event very useful – always come away with new ideas and solutions” Dr Paul Kimber, md, Urban Earth Ltd

“An excellent venue, easy to get to, good parking” Peter England, Works Manager, Termate Ltd

“Combination of exhibitors with the backdrop of the RAF Museum was very stimulating” Steve Elston, Head of Operations ABRU Ltd

The next Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition will be even bigger and better, and takes place at the National Motorcycle Museum Birmingham on October 23rd 2008.

Handles for curved surfaces

The difficulty of fixing a lifting handle to a drum or a pull handle to a curved drawer has been overcome, claims Elesa, by the introduction of its EBP-FLX series handles. “Essentially, we have taken our EBP bridge handle and moulded it in polypropylene-based technopolymer with added elastomer”, explains Elesa’s Nigel Pritchett. “This provides the flexibility to fit curves of a radius from 150mm to 400mm.”

The product has a front fixing arrangement for 8mm cylindrical head hexagon drive machine screws along with push-fit caps that are offered in black (standard) and five other colours. Handle sizes are 144mm and 178mm with 117mm and 150mm mounting centres.

Nigel Pritchett points out that for curves of a radius larger than 400mm the company’s standard EBP handles can be used.

FASTENING & ASSEMBLY SOLUTIONS EXHIBITION – WEDNESDAY 30TH APRIL 

If you currently bolt it together, might clinching or studwelding it be a more effective solution? And if you currently seam weld it, crimp it or screw it together, might it be quicker, cleaner or more efficient to use adhesives or adhesive tapes instead? Could it be that self-pierce riveting holds the answer?

Questions, questions. The fact of the matter is that when it comes to fastening and assembly in a manufacturing environment, most applications can be solved using a variety of different fastening or joining methods, materials and processes. So how best to establish what is best?

In our view, the quickest, easiest and most rewarding way to find out is to visit the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition: the next one takes place on Wednesday 30th April at the RAF Museum Cosford, near Wolverhampton (postcode TF11 8UP).

Here you will find assembled (oh yes) the broadest array of fastening products, methods, processes and suppliers in one place at one time. The exhibitors list reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of industrial and engineering fastening problem solvers and they are all experts at understanding what manufacturing companies need.

One of the key strengths of a visit to the show is this: the exhibitors know that the needs of the design team, the production team and the management team all have to be met in the process of finding the ideal fastening and assembly method for a project.

For example, Fastener A might be 30% cheaper to buy than Fastener B, and on the face of it therefore be the most effective option to embrace. But if Fastener A can be used more speedily and efficiently to such an extent that the installed cost (when everything is taken into account) is lower, then the apparently cheaper option is actually more expensive.

This exhibition is the place to have fastener, fastening and assembly discussions with some of the best suppliers in the business: small wonder that 96% of all previous visitors have voted their time at the show ‘worthwhile’.

Show entry is free, parking is free, tea and coffee are free, and a visit to the outstanding RAF Museum is also free. But best of all, the expert advice you will receive is free too!

Hinges for electrical/electronic enclosures

EMKA is promoting the fact the it has “developed probably the largest offering of specialist hinges available designed to suit the electrical and electronic industries’ requirements for enclosures and cabinets”.
The company has addressed the hinging of prominent/lay-on doors with 23 different groupings of hinge types, says EMKA’s Andy Billingham. “These have been developed in parallel with the growth of the electrical and electronic industries.”

The standardised solutions are special-purpose designs to match a defined range of applications, environments, and performance criteria. Each type is available in various sizes to suit door rigidity, sealing requirements, door loading, etc. The prominent door hinges feature weld-on or fully finished items with traditional screw fixings or fast fixing possibilities. Opening capabilities from 120º to 180º are offered as are removable pins or lift-off facilities to speed installations.

EMKA’s hinge manufacturing technologies encompass mild steel, die-cast zinc, glass-reinforced thermoplastic, and stainless steel.

Double-slotted nuts

Alcoa Fastening Systems has launched, through its distributor, Harrison & Clough, the SNEP DAH range of zinc-passivated carbon steel and stainless steel, double-slotted nuts. The products are expected to find applications in the truck, trailer, commercial vehicle body-builder, automotive, and railcar markets, says marketing manager Jay Sahadew.

“Designed for use where there is vibration that may lead to fastener loosening, the self-locking function is created by an axial deformed slot. The metal above the slot is set to de-pitch the threads so that when the nut is tightened on to a bolt the thread is gripped on the flank. When fully inserted, the elasticity of the metal allows the slot to press upon the male thread and provide a locking effect.”

The product is stated to be capable of operation in temperatures from
-50ºC to +450ºC and can be re-used up to five times. It also is available in brass and aluminium.

The keys to cost reduction are here

Cost reduction opportunities and improvements in product quality are two of the key drivers that have historically attracted visitors to the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition.

The next event takes place on Wednesday April 30th at the RAF Museum Cosford TF11 8UP and offers more opportunities to achieve these goals than ever before, thanks to the biggest portfolio of exhibitors seen at the venue.

There are also some fascinating new fastener and fastening products on show, many of them for the first time, which could inspire design engineers and production professionals to explore the new opportunities that they present.

Show entry is free, parking is free, complimentary tea and coffee is free and entry to the outstanding RAF Museum is also free. Additionally, qualifying pre-registered visitors (ie currently employed manufacturing professionals) benefit from a Complimentary Luncheon too: so discovering new fasteners and new, more efficient, assembly processes here at this specialist event is a rather more civilised opportunity!

Pre-registration closes at 1700 on Thursday 24th April. Use the link to discover more about the exhibition and to pre-register.

Dual bowl and turret tool system

PEM has announced the development of the series 2000 automatic press that accommodates a dual bowl option and the QX turret tool system “to allow quick and efficient changes between anvil tools while installing different types of self-clinching fasteners.

“The use of a second bowl and the turret tool system means that two fastener types can be installed in automatic feed mode and two in manual feed mode for streamlined job productivity and quality”, says Michael Rossi.

Touch screen set-up for all four stations includes the selection of the installation force and the number of fasteners to be installed per workpiece. Operators are notified by visual and/or audible signal to rotate the turret to the next location or that the job is completed.

Among other features are a job search and recall mode that allows operators to reference up to 300 jobs and return to any one of them quickly; a programmable logic controller that accommodates custom programs; a wide feeder track for increased fastener feeding rates; and a support design that improves small fastener feeding.

Further information on the Series 2000 from PEM may be found on the company’s stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum Cosford on Wednesday April 30th.

Support service for torque control products

A new Customer Service Department has been established by Crane Electronics at its base in Hinckley, Leicestershire. John Bromwich, who will head the Department as Customer Service Manager, says that he and his team “will consolidate and improve the provision of product service and all-round support to the company’s United Kingdom and European customers”.

The support functions will be provided for end-users of Crane’s torque control products and services, as well as distributors. “These will include the integration of training, commissioning, installation, technical product support, servicing, and repair calibration activities.”
The new Customer Service Department can be contacted direct on 01455 231886.

Pre-Register now and have lunch at the RAF Museum!

The next Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition takes place on Wednesday 30th April at the fantastic RAF Museum Cosford – and if you are a manufacturing professional and are quick, you can pre-register to attend the show and benefit from a quality Complimentary Luncheon during your visit! Pre-registration closes on Friday 25th April.

It is the biggest ever fastener and fastening event to be held at the RAF Museum, with more exhibitors – and therefore more fastening solutions – on show than ever before.

Fastening & assembly is one of the few areas in manufacturing where things are continually moving fast: and there is no other place where UK engineers, buyers and specifiers can see and discuss so many of these advances in one place at one time.

The exhibitors are fastening experts. So if you have a current challenge, or can see one on the horizon, a few hours at this exhibition could save you weeks of head-scratching!

For more information about the exhibition and the venue, or to Pre-register to attend, use the button below.

Rickshaw sponsorship aids charity - and sales!

Earlier this year JCS Hi-Torque sponsored a local couple from Sudbury, Suffolk, near to the company’s factory, who had entered the ‘Rickshaw Run’, an Indian charity event in aid of the Mercy Corps. Starting in Cochi, southern India, on New Year’s Day and finishing 21 days later in Kathmandu, every mile was covered in a three-wheeled motorised rickshaw.

During the trip the company’s Hi-Grip hose clips were used to hold together the rickshaw’s exhaust system. However, the run was completed without any major mishaps and £1114 was raised for the Mercy Corps which will use it to help equip local communities with the skills, ability, and confidence to help themselves out of poverty.

The rickshaw carried a number of JCS Hi-Grip logos which attracted attention to the benefit of the company. At a refuelling stop the couple were approached by two businessmen from Dubai who happened to be visiting India on a business trip. Their enquiries about the hose clips were passed on to JCS which has been able to help them to locate the hose clips they required.

Blind rivet nut setting tool

A pneumatic setting tool has been introduced by Bollhoff Fastenings “to a market in which blind rivet nuts are being used to place a reinforced thread into sheet metals, profiles, and hollow sections”. Using automatic force control when ‘pulling up’ a fastener from one side of a workpiece, the design employs pressure sensitivity on the tool stroke to ensure consistent setting, even when dealing with variable material thicknesses.
Operating from a pneumatic supply of from 5 bar to 7 bar pressure with each cycle using 8l of air, the P2007 is operated by a single trigger movement.

Once set up for a given thread diameter within an M3 to M10 overall capacity the installer can set up to 15 of Bollhoff’s RivNut blind rivet nuts in a minute.

“A ‘twist-to-set’ colour-coded pressure regulator can be used to change the tool to set a different diameter blind rivet nut”, explains managing director Andy Witts. “Maintaining pressure on the trigger throughout the cycle ensures consistent results.”  Discover more about this new setting tool – and the many other products in the Bollhoff fastenings portfolio – by visiting their stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum Cosford on April 30th.

Support service for torque control products

A new Customer Service Department has been established by Crane Electronics at its base in Hinckley, Leicestershire. John Bromwich, who will head the Department as Customer Service Manager, says that he and his team “will consolidate and improve the provision of product service and all-round support to the company’s United Kingdom and European customers”.

The support functions will be provided for end-users of Crane’s torque control products and services, as well as distributors. “These will include the integration of training, commissioning, installation, technical product support, servicing, and repair calibration activities.”

The new Customer Service Department can be contacted direct on 01455 231886.

Hook and loop fasteners

The range of Kletten fasteners available from Binder Fastener Systems will be highlighted at the company’s stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April. Products in the range include Klettostar hook and loop fasteners, Klettolastic elasticated hook and loop fasteners, Duotec self-engaging fasteners, and the extruded low-profile Microplast fastener.

“Duotec single-component interlocking mushroom fasteners will be headlined”, reports Binder’s Kevin Linaker. “These are heavy-duty fastenings that remove the need for drilling and screwing.”

In addition, the company also will be launching a ‘webshop’ that will enable users of smaller quantities of some of its fasteners to purchase lower volumes. Access can be gained through a link on www.binderuk.com.

On-line supply facility

The e-commerce site of InsertsDirect.com offers an alternative way of purchasing inserts for plastics, wood, and sheet-metal applications. “This on-line facility supplies a range of standard items that can be purchased at competitive prices”, reports Philip Schofield.

“We are the only company that has all of its prices clearly shown alongside every product. All inserts are supplied on the basis that there is a ‘single’ price for any quantity.”

Of particular interest on the company’s stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April will be the Rotofit. This is a range of threaded inserts for the rotomoulding industry - for high load applications where inserts are moulded in.

Split rings and buckles

Berkeley manufactures spring steel split rings and buckles and metal fittings. In addition, the company also is the sole distributor in the United Kingdom for the Duraflex range of plastic buckle hardware.

“With a large range of standard products and in-house capacity for heat treatment, polishing, and nickel plating we can usually find a solution to fixing problems”, reports Berkeley’s Tony Hotchkiss.

Over 20 new products have been introduced by the company in the past year and all will be on show at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April.

Also highlighted will be Berkeley’s work with a helmet manufacturer to make its metal buckle stronger and more suitable for a new design, and its involvement in recommending the most suitable plastic hook for a range of products using shock cord.

Adhesive tapes on show

Stokvis Tapes will be exhibiting at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April. The company offers a range of automotive sector products for bonding, sealing, protection, and noise suppression. “All of these can be converted and customised to meet specific application requirements”, says Paul Sutherland.

Die-cut tapes are available. “These will help users to reduce application time or can serve as the ‘creative solution’ for new self-adhesive products. With die-cuts the same size and quality always are available which helps to increase production speed and improve overall quality.”

Tapes for bonding also will be promoted on the company’s stand. “A range of tapes for bonding two materials will be featured”, reports Paul Sutherland.

“Double-sided foam tapes, structural bonding tapes, transfer tapes, double-sided tissues, and filmic tapes will be shown.” Information will be available to visitors on recent successful applications. For example, a company that was using rivets for fixing signage switched recently to structural bond tapes and reports that productivity has been increased, a permanent bond guaranteed, and metal fatigue and mechanical degradation eliminated.

New agreement to distribute adhesive tapes

Anixter Components has announced that it has been appointed as a United Kingdom distributor for 3M’s range of adhesive tapes. “We have added 3M’s filament, masking, waterproof cloth (duct), double-coated, double-coated foam, and transfer tapes to the existing adhesive lines in our current catalogue”, says Anixter’s technical director Andrew Fletcher.
The filament tapes are described as high-strength packing tapes that incorporate glass filaments; they are available in mono-weave and cross-weave formats. “They are strong and will not tear even if the edge of the tape becomes damaged.”

The double-coated foam tapes and pads are stated to be for use to fill gaps and bond tough or irregular surfaces by distributing stress uniformly over the bonded area. “The result is a bond line that seals, cushions, and damps vibration, resists impact, withstands a wide range of temperatures, and provides good insulating properties.”

Transfer tapes “allow users to apply a glue strip quickly and efficiently”. The adhesive is supported on a paper liner and, when applied with a gun, the liner is stripped away for immediate bonding. Andrew Fletcher states that “this increases productivity by five times over traditional methods. It is a quick, exact, and clean way in which to apply adhesive to a surface - no drips or mess, and a uniform thickness of glue is applied precisely where it is applied.”

The 3M tapes have been added to Anixter’s portfolio “in response to a demand for quick and easy methods of fastening in a wide range of applications from the automotive sector to the manufacture of household appliances”.

Stainless steel clamp knob

A stainless steel trilobe clamping knob has been introduced by Elesa for use by machine and equipment builders in situations in which quick adjustment or dismantling is required - from bench-top units to stand-alone production plant.

Nigel Pritchett, Elesa, reports that the product is expected to find use in the marine, offshore, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries as well as in other aggressive environments in which the use of stainless steel is required.

The model GN5339.5 is said to feature the same ‘rounded triangle’ design as the VTR thermoplastic knob available from the company. It is available in sizes from 32mm diameter to 60mm diameter with M5 to M10 blind tapped hubs.

Micro-connection businesses consolidated

Miyachi, based in Tokyo, has announced that it is consolidating its micro-connection businesses under a single corporation to serve the European market. “Miyachi Europe will unify the Miyachi, Miyachi Peco, Miyachi Unitek, and Unitek Eapro product ranges to provide a single source for micro-resistance welding, laser welding, and laser marking as well as hot-bar soldering and heat-seal bonding”, says Susumu Ueda, managing director - Europe.

“By consolidating the European businesses we are providing customers with easier access to the most advanced micro-connection technologies. This will enable them to combine different technologies while reducing their vendor base.”

The company operates in the United Kingdom from a facility in Derby. “The change in approach to serving the European market will enable us to become even more in touch with customers and their requirements”, says Dave Fawcett, regional sales director. 

Adhesives and sealants

Three products introduced by Sika in the past year will be among those on show on the company’s stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April. These are: the SikaLock range of cyanoacrylate and anaerobic adhesives; a 360º flexible nozzle and extension for the sealing of difficult-to-access joints; and SikaSil Pool - a chlorine-resistant silicone sealant designed for use in the sealing of swimming pools, Jacuzzis, etc.

The company’s core competences of technological expertise are sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing, and protecting, says Sika’s Mark Dunn. “Visitors will be invited to view the new range of SikaLock products - high-quality adhesives suitable for a variety of industrial bonding, electrical, and assembly operations. These simplify and speed mass production processes.”

Torque sensors, actuators, etc.

New products from Kistler Instruments include: industrial torque sensors; pressure and temperature sensors and systems for injection moulding; mono- and tri-axial piezoelectric accelerometers; pressure sensors for high-pressure/high-temperature applications; sub-miniature pressure sensors for use in research, development, and industrial environments; and electric actuators with integrated force and linear sensors for press-fit assembly application which, Kistler’s Jim Vaughan reports, will be especially highlighted at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April.

“These new actuators are very simple to install to meet specific application requirements. Unlike conventional hydraulic actuators they require only an electric supply and can be mounted horizontally and vertically. Changes in production can be accommodated easily and cleanly without major engineering work.”

Hose clips and clamps

Zero Clips offers hose clips and hose clamps - from the design stage through to final usage. “This includes standard off-the-shelf products for a next-working-day delivery as well as bespoke parts made to meet the requirements of customers’ specific drawings”, explains Zero’s Steve Lewis. “Assistance is offered throughout the design process so engineers and purchasers can be confident that they are specifying and using the correct hose clip/clamp.”

In addition, the company supplies springs, wire forms, and pressings.

Over the past year Zero has introduced over 20 new products many of which will be displayed on its stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum in Cosford on 30 April.

These include additions to its ranges of hose clips and hose clamps - heavy-duty bolt clamps, heavy-duty worm drives, constant tension worm drives, and constant tension single bolt clamps, all of which are available in stainless steel.

Metal joining machinery and hardware

Clinch tools, gas springs, locks, hinges, and engineering hardware will be found displayed on the Eckold stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April.

The company states that it is well known for its range of metal joining machinery “which is advantageous when joining dissimilar or coated metals quickly, quietly, safely, and at low cost”, says David Chapman.
Since the early 1990s the company has diversified into other areas such as the supply of hinges, locks, and a wide range of body fittings for medium and small truck and trailer builders.

Adhesives and tapes

Platinum bonding tapes and bonding adhesive will be highlighted on the stand of Empire Tapes at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April. “These products offer a unique bonding performance in tape format and in cartridge format”, claims Dean Sherriff, managing director.

“Based on hybrid polymer technology the tapes and adhesive are engineered to perform in areas of bonding, sealing, masking, and strapping unlike any other. Application barriers that are associated with conventional products are eliminated.”

Tape in the new range is stated to be able to bond to virtually all porous and non-porous materials. “It is suited for use in applications in which straight line tapes cannot be used; it is solvent-free and resists extreme temperatures”, says Dean Sherriff.

Screw fixings for use in plastics

The Industrial Division of EJOT specialises in producing its own designed direct screw fixings for use into plastics (Delta PT), sheet metal (SHEETracs), and alloys (Altracs). “These thread forms provide high-quality joints but at the same time offer compact design and low-cost alternatives in applications in which inserts, threaded clips, or self-clinching fasteners may be used”, says EJOT’s Ian Atkinson. The products can be obtained with multi-formed geometry if specific applications demand it.

These products and services will be highlighted by EJOT on its stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April.  Other products that will be shown by the company at the event include EJOform multi-functional cold-formed parts and the Boss family of fixings for sheet material.

Ian Atkinson reports that recent application successes include the elimination of brass inserts into an automotive engine plastic component using the Delta PT thread-forming screws, and the use of SHEETrace thread-forming screws which resulted in the elimination of self-clinching bushes into sheet metal office furniture.

Single-source fastener solutions

Northern Precision has announced that it has expanded its single-source fastening solutions capability by entering into an exclusive United Kingdom and Ireland distributorship for Arnold & Shinjo fasteners and insertion systems manufactured in Germany.

“This provides users with any - and every - possible pressing permutation for successful fastener insertion”, says Sales Director Steve Smith. “Whether fully-automated or semi-automated, with or without robot workpiece handling, or integrated into an assembly or production line the Arnold & Shinjo solutions are highly productive yet cost-effective.”

Based on punching heads capable of up to 100 strokes a minute, coupled with dies and seals for optimal functioning. the systems feature multi-fastener distributors for up to eight punching heads, quick-action couplings, and simple torque testing instruments, explains Steve Smith.

Push-on fasteners

The Starlock range of push-on fasteners will be featured by Baker & Finnemore at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April.  This is a product designed for use in situations in which a quick, permanent, cost-effective, and efficient means of assembly is required, says Paul Yates.

The company’s precision pressings - made to the specification of customers - also will be promoted.  Components are manufactured in spring steel and other ferrous and non-ferrous materials from tooling designed and manufactured in-house.

Recent applications of interest include the development of a triangular push-on fastener for an automotive steering mechanism, and a standard Starlock used in high volumes for automotive seating.

High-strength fasteners

At the Fastening & Assembly Solutions exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April, BAS Components will be featuring its range of high-strength fasteners, Flangeform and SPAC (self-pierce and clinch) products, and AVK blind threaded inserts.

The company also will be promoting the fact that it builds and commissions automated feeding systems for both Flangeform and SPAC, reports David Peasant, BAS. “Automated feeding of these products directly in to the die can lead to process cost savings of up to 50%.

“The SPAC nuts are available from M6 to M14 sizes and are suitable for use in thin-gauge, high-strength material and aluminium. They also are suited for use in applications involving materials up to 9mm thick.”
Particularly highlighted at the event will be the P stud for use with plastic, and the Flangeform closed-end nut which prevents water ingress.

In addition, BAS will be promoting its new sourcing service for non-proprietary fasteners and ‘specials’.

Tapes and adhesives

The range of tapes and adhesives available from 3M spans over 3000 products - a number that can be increased infinitely by customising products into specific, unique solutions, the company claims.

In addition to highlighting its Rite-Lok range of industrial adhesives and sealants at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April 3M will be giving prominence on its stand to the established VHB tapes and the Dual-Lock system, a high-strength re-closable fastener said to be twelve times stronger than regular hook-and-loop products.

“The company will be demonstrating how its products can be used in a wide array of applications”, says 3M’s Emily Wilkes. In addition it is inviting visitors to the exhibition to discuss the potential of creating bespoke, customised solutions to meet specific fastening requirements.
“We also will be highlighting the company’s technical and consultancy expertise and the capabilities of its laboratories in the United Kingdom.”

High-tech adhesive solutions

‘adhere’, from Intertronics, is described as “an innovative brand dedicated to providing adhesive solutions to the high-technology, high-performance assembly industries”. At the Fastening & Assembly Solutions exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April, Intertronics’ Peter Swanson reports that “the brand also will be promoting the technical support and customer services offered by the company”.

The concept is reported to cover a range of adhesives, encapsulants, coatings, sealants, and tapes as well as associated dispensing, curing, and surface preparation equipment and materials used in the manufacturing and assembly processes.

“We welcome visitors to the exhibition who bring samples or problems for on-site discussion”, says Peter Swanson. Intertronics also has announced that it has launched a new lightweight dispensing valve for use in the field of adhesives for electronics and other high-technology industries.

The Fisnar CV629 cartridge valve is pneumatically operated and is designed for dispensing ultra-violet adhesives, solvents, glues, etc. “Shot sizes can be fine tuned by means of an adjustment screw at the top of the valve so it is of particular benefit in applications in which micro deposits are required”, reports Peter Swanson.

Eco-friendly double-sided sealing tape

Steratape has launched BioTape which, says commercial director Carl Morris, is believed to be the world’s first biodegradable and compostable double-sided sealing tape. The product is made from two distinct functioning parts:

First, the adhesive is a modified acrylic copolymer that has been formulated to include a high content of renewable (non-fossil derived) material. The company reports that trials have shown that good performance is achieved when used on existing biodegradable filmic bags.

Second, the film that carries the adhesive is made from polylactic acid. The raw material for making this is corn starch and it is, therefore, a fully renewable resource. Trials have indicated that the film will heat-cut without difficulty in the bag-making process.

The adhesive has accreditation to the international standard for biodegradability/compostability - EN13432. The film holds the accreditation to EN13432-2000-12 at 58ºC. Polybag manufacturers have been able to develop films that are biodegradable based on natural substances such as cellulose, Carl Morris points out. “However, until now it has not been possible to offer a self-seal bag since the adhesive tapes available have never been biodegradable. “Now the new Steratape product makes it possible for this fast-growing market to have a truly ecologically-friendly range of flexible packaging products for the first time.”

180º concealed hinge

Gold and Wassall has introduced its new 180º concealed hinge for  metal cabinets. It is described by managing director Tim Fellows as “a neat alternative to surface-mounted hinges that has been a long time coming”.

Features listed include:

• Adjustable.
• Two-part assembly.
• Light-weight and heavy-weight versions.
• Standard in mild steel; many finishes available.
• Fully concealed but allowing 180º opening.

Samples can be obtained from the company on request.

Rivet nut for thin sheet metal

The ‘Urn’ rivet nut, for use in thin sheet metal applications, has been introduced by Profil and will be displayed on its stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April. Also to be shown will be the company’s NBR stud - suitable for use in a range of metal thicknesses and as a centring or shoulder bolt; and the SBF ball pin for gas strut applications.

Profil’s Adrian Ellis states that cost savings of at least 30% can be achieved compared to equivalent welding processes. “In addition, the quality of the final fixing is superior to welded fasteners.”

The company’s technology is suitable for sheet-metal components from aluminium through to high-strength steels up to 1500Mpa.

Tools

Atlas Copco Tools has announced that among products to be highlighted on its stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April: the Tensor STB cordless transducerised nutrunner, BLM mobile assembly tools, the EBL screwdriver with brushless motor for long service life, and the MicroTorque range of hand-held and fixtured tools.

New products will be introduced including ToolScan which reviews and studies air supply, the tool, and the efficiency in its operating environment; and RCM - a program of predicted maintenance to ensure maximum upturn.

Safety switching hinge

A new hinge from Elesa has a built-in security switch to suit Category 1 hazardous areas and serves to switch off equipment when a door or panel is opened in industrial environments to ensure operator safety. Construction of the product is an integral glass-reinforced technopolymer unit which, says Elesa’s Nigel Pritchett, ensures a tamper-proof installation and easy assembly.

The CFS switching hinge, paired with the company’s standard CFM hinge, provides 180º opening with switching operation over the range 4º to 15º. Two variants are available: the CRF-SH with countersunk screw fixings for optimum strength and security; the CVS-CH with slotted fixing for ease of adjustment. Each is offered with a top mount cable connection or rear-mounting connector and appropriate leads to suit machine control or status indication.

Metal joining

At the Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April, Bollhoff, a TS-16949 accredited manufacturer, will be introducing the RivQuick break-stem blind rivet range in standard and structural categories. This will complement its metal joining product family which includes RivSet self-piercing rivets and RivClinch mechanical clinching.

The fastening systems to be exhibited are part of the Bollhoff family of threaded and non-threaded systems for cold joining dissimilar sheet materials, some without the need for a prepared hole and some with access to only one side. “Eliminating the need for riveting and spot-welding the technology provides fast, quiet, emission-free solutions to the problems of joining modern materials in a simple, cost-effective process”, says Bollhoff’s Andy Witts.

Hinges, locks, latches, handles

The Snap-Line range of hinges, locks, latches, handles, and other fasteners that allow tool-less assembly will be featured on the Dirak stand at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April.

“This technology is a way for companies to save money and reduce inventory”, says David Hayes, general manager, Dirak UK. “A visit to our stand will show how up to 90% of hardware installation time can be saved.” Dirak also has introduced a new global website which features product and technical information on the systems that it designs and manufactures to provide “high-quality solutions for latching, hinging, and profile technology”.

The ‘Product Search’ function on the website in the United Kingdom (www.dirak.co.uk) allows a user the find a product in three different ways. A ‘Technical Advice’ section provides a conversion feature to/from metric and Imperial measurements and industry standards, and by clicking on ‘Sample Request’ product samples can be requested to test in specific applications. A ‘Download Centre provides CAD files, newsletters, catalogue pages, and product literature, and a ‘What’s New’ section feature information on new products, enhancements, and company news.

Gas springs

Lesjofors has revised and updated its brochure on the gas springs that it supplies to the industrial, automotive, leisure, furniture, and medical sectors. The springs are said to be easy to install and “they perform a number of critical purposes such as balancing, unloading, lifting, and lowering”.

Information is provided on design, manufacture, and performance, and technical details are provided to enable the calculation to be made of the spring force and damping requirements for any particular scenario.
In addition, the publication contains details of a range of end-fittings to ensure the correct fitment of the gas spring for every application.

The range is made up of conventional and lockable varieties, many of which are manufactured with a stainless steel tube.
The company has announced that this year is has “substantially upgraded” its stock levels which means that most products can be delivered with 24 hours of an order being placed.

Adhesives and sealants

The tapes and adhesives portfolio of 3M has been extended by the addition of the Rite-Lok range of adhesives and sealants. Included are an anaerobic adhesive, described as a high-performance, single-component engineering adhesive that cures in the absence of air and in the presence of metal parts; an invisible bonder that polymerises when exposed to ultra-violet light; and a cyanoacrylate adhesive - a high-specification, solvent-free single-component adhesive “that exhibits high tensile and shear strengths”, says marketing executive Stefan Cubitt. “It bonds a wide variety of substrates and can be used with manual and automated dispensing equipment.” 

The Rite-Lok range is expected to find use by original equipment manufacturers and in the maintenance and repair markets in the automotive, electronics, medical, and general industrial sectors.

Come and meet the 3M tapes and adhesives experts at the forthcoming Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition at the RAF Museum Cosford on April 30th.

Hand-held dispenser

A hand-held dispenser for fixing hot-melt dots to a wide range of surfaces will be displayed on the stand of Glue Dots International at the Fastening & Assembly Solutions exhibition at the RAF Museum, Cosford, on 30 April.

The ‘Dot Shot Pro’ is a new product that is stated to offer easy application of double-sided adhesive dots. “No mess and the provision of an instant bond when fixing products”, says Mike Silson. “We have solved application problems in the food and pharmaceutical industries within the sampling and packaging processes.”

Designed to fit in to the hand the Dot Shot Pro “dramatically increases the speed at which Glue Dots can be applied making it suitable for packaging, printing, mail and fulfilment, point of purchase, etc.”, says Mike Silson. Made from impact-resistance polycarbonate it is light in weight and has a triggerless design that makes it safe for repetitive use.

Cleanliness standard for fasteners

Arnold Umformtechnik has developed Cleancon, a cleanliness compliance procedure for fasteners. Working with the Fraunhofer Institute, a German organisation that undertakes applied research, Arnold has established its own test laboratory which develops and adapts test specifications to stipulate the degree of component cleanliness required in production and throughout the supply chain.

“What have always been rather general cleanliness requirements for components now can be categorised precisely”, explains Michael Pult, marketing and communications manager. “Our fascination for technology has its price. Very complex units and component assemblies are becoming increasingly compact and more powerful which means that the risk of malfunction is rising at a disproportionate rate. In many cases microscopic particles cause the malfunction.

“What has become known as ‘technical cleanliness’ is a value-adding component of a product affecting its quality, function, and service life. Considering the rather undefined requirements imposed by customers to date - they simply state maximum permitted values for contamination - Arnold has developed Cleancon.”

Self-clinching studs

The HFHB busbar range of self-clinching studs from PEM is stated to provide solutions for applications that demand superior electrical/mechanical attachment points in copper. “They are phosphor-bronze externally threaded fasteners and offer twice the conductivity of conventional carbon steel studs”, says PEM’s Michael Rossi.

The RoHS-compliant studs install permanently into copper sheets down to 1.3mm and offer push-out values to 560lb and torque-out values to 18ft.lb depending on fastener thread size and thickness of the copper sheet. “Improved pull-through resistance is promoted by the large head design which allows the stud’s head to project above the sheet material and distribute the axial tightening force over a wide area.”

Thread sizes range from M5 to M10; the studs can be specified in lengths up to 50mm.

Meet PEM at the forthcoming Fastening & Assembly Solutions Exhibition on April 30th.

Components and accessories

Rivets, panel fasteners, threaded fasteners, nuts, washers, bushings, cable ties and accessories, caps, plugs, feet, knobs, and handles are among over 10,000 components featured in the new 2008/2009 catalogue published by Anixter Components.

Also available is information on the new range of Rite-Lok cyanoacrylates and anaerobic adhesives from 3M - distributed by Anixter - as well as structural and aerosol adhesives, and a range of tapes including foam tapes, masking tapes, transfer tapes, and insulation tapes.

Locking system protects lock

Information is available from EMKA on its 1225 IP 65 locking system covering short and long escutcheon types with insert locks and swinghandles for profile cylinders or inserts. The 1225 program is described as a large-scale handle system for all free-standing cabinets or for access doors in equipment such as that used in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning applications.

An “unusual” sliding style of dust cover is featured for swing handle variants to provide additional protection for the lock, says EMKA’s Andy Billingham. In the same uniform design style (using a common two-off 50mm x 25mm hole mounting) there are many possibilities for insert locks (square, triangular, hexagonal, double-bit, etc.) and for conventional L handles, T handles, and wing nuts.

These can be mounted on 1225-style escutcheons and “even on smaller wall-mounted cabinets”. All swinghandles and escutcheons can be assembled with rod controls for multi-point closure or bearing bush for single-point operation. “The narrow width (35mm) of the units gives the added benefit of location either within the gasketed area or external to the gasket. In either case, good sealing and maximum door equipment mounting is preserved.

Coatings for threaded fasteners

IKV Group has developed a range of coatings specifically for use on threaded fasteners and components. The Tribovis brand is a water-based, micronised polyethylene dry film coating that contains solid film lubricants.

“After application and drying of the products the residual film coating is virtually invisible with excellent lubricating and frictional properties”, says Mark Arnell, the company’s United Kingdom business manager. “The coatings are very clean once applied. Unlike oil or grease they do not attract dust or dirt.”

Benefits to threaded components include a constant torque, consistent quality, and a low coefficient of friction with a very small range of variation, says Mark Arnell. “The coatings offer excellent abrasion and water resistance, they are silicone-free, and they offer good adhesion with all types of materials.” As well as threaded fasteners and screws, rivets, nails, pins, and dowels can benefit from the application of the Tribovis coatings.

Framing system demonstration

On 10, 11, and 12 March Henrob will be co-operating with two other companies - Vertex and Howick - to stage free demonstrations of their technologies and show how they work together to create a framing system. The events will be held at Henrob’s plant in Deeside.

The first part of each demonstration will see Vertex giving an overview of its software and, in particularly, its advantages when used in the construction industry. A sample project will be designed to show the specific steel framing design process and customised joint details to work with Howick’s framing machine.

A machine file will be created and Howick will offer a description of the machine and an update on its latest features and development. Then the file, which has been produced by Vertex, will be run from the machine.
Once a panel is produced Henrob will discuss the details and advantages of the self-piercing riveting system and how the process - which is widely used in the automotive industry - can be used in the framing and modular construction industries.

A frame will be produced and assembled using the E frame riveting tool.
The demonstration will conclude with a tour of the Henrob manufacturing plant. Refreshments will be provided.

Snap rivet mounted foot

The FSR series of snap rivet mounted feet has been introduced by Richco International. The rubber foot on the product is stated to provide skid resistance and shock resistance - and vibration control, says Richco’s Neale Lancaster. “The foot is mounted by simply pushing in the nylon rivet; no assembly hardware is required.” Offered in two head sizes and three rivet sizes the FSR series allows for mounting into panel thicknesses from 1.2mm to 3.5mm.

Removable hinges

Additions to its range of concealed, removable hinges by Southco “will enhance user options for durable and corrosion-resistant performance”, says Dale Clouser. “The convenience of tool-free door removal and the aesthetics of concealed mounting are other features.” Security against vandalism is a further benefit gained from concealed hinge installation.

Available in zinc-plated steel, stainless steel, or plastic materials in sizes ranging from 22mm long to 150mm long, the expanded range “provides options for virtually any environment or application - heavy-duty or light-weight, corrosive or non-corrosive”, claims Dale Clouser.

Most models are offered with dual hinge points for greater stability; frame leaf hinges are available for flat frames and formed frames using through-hole or welded mounting options; and customised offset depths and mounting holes also can be supplied

Bolt on the right lines

A new rail crossing designed for Network Rail is using Huck fasteners from Alcoa Fastening Systems. Supplied to Balfour Beatty Rail Track Systems, based in Nottingham, the C50L Lockbolt was specified for an inclined, part-welded crossing.

Brian Hayles, special network standards engineer at Balfour Beatty, points out that the major advantage of using the Lockbolt compared to a nut and bolt system post installation is virtually zero maintenance. “Although the inclined crossing solution provides a better profile for the wheels of a train to roll on every rail-bearing position, depending on its location, could require a different base plate. However, due to the ease of installation and the resultant joint strength the use of the C50L fasteners offers the flexibility needed to deal with this situation.

“In addition, the nut and bolt option requires auxiliary tapered washers to correct the inclined angle of the track which may compromise the clamp force and is an additional cost.”

Tape holds fast in demanding display conditions

A double-sided PET adhesive tape, developed by tesa, has been used to secure rigid pvc plastic film profiles with strong elastic memory to a foam-centred display board on an exhibition display.

Colour Tone Masterbatch, based in Bedwas, near Caerphilly, Mid-Glamorgan, wanted a display that “would stop visitors in their tracks” at the recent K2007 plastics trade show in Dusseldorf. “We designed a ‘wall of colour’ that would highlight the vibrant colours made possible by using Vynacol colouring technology to colour rigid pvc film”, Tony Gaukroger, managing director of Colour Tone, told FAST.

To meet the design and performance brief for the display a CAD-based cutting and positioning point system was developed by DWD UK (based in Sheerness, Kent) for five 1m x 1.5m panels. Over 1000 individual items were precision cut and formed from rolls of coloured film. A 20mm return was designed in to the profiles in order to allow a convex shape to be formed as well as to accommodate the tesa 4965 double-sided tape used for mounting.

“Fixing had to be sufficiently secure to ensure that the panels would withstand transit from this country to Dusseldorf, erection of the display, ten days under the glare of nine 100W spotlights, removal, and return shipment”, explains Tony Gaukroger. “In prototypes a basic paper and board double-sided tape was used but the film profiles ‘lifted’ after only a few days. I envisaged the potential nightmare of the display falling to pieces during the show as bits popped out all over the place.”
The 4935 tape - based on a double-coated, high-shear strength, modified acrylic adhesive over a PET film - is a 205µm-thick transparent adhesive tape which performed “beyond expectations”. Spare tapes that were taken were not used

Digital tester of low-level torques

The Tornado, described as “a unique new digital torque tester”, has been designed by Mecmesin to assess the low-level torques associated with small rotating components - from packaging closures to electrical controls; from building hardware to medical devices.

“Representing a major step forward in portable torque testing, the Tornado has an array of advanced capabilities”, reports Mecmesin’s David Mercer. “This includes pass/fail alert with five programmable memory settings, a facility to characterise the two torque peaks associated with tamper-evident closures, an onboard memory of up to 500 readings, and a bi-directional data interface for export of results.”

The Tornado can be used in the laboratory or at the point of production. It features “a tough, water-resistant casing and is fabricated in non-painted polypropylene, making it suitable for use in pharmaceutical environments”. Four models are available ranging from a 1.5Nm capacity option for delicate assessments to the 3Nm, 6Nm, and 10Nm models for “increasingly robust applications”

Three-minute cure adhesive

EP44 is a new two-component epoxy adhesive from Master Bond which gels in about three minutes. Developed for high-performance bonding it cures in a few hours at ambient temperatures to provide a shear strength of over 3150lb/in².

“EP44 produces durable high-strength, tough bonds that are resistant to thermal cycling and chemicals including water, oil, and most organic solvents over a temperature range from -60ºF to over 250ºF”, reports Master Bond’s James Brenner. Bonding strength is said to be “relatively insensitive” to cleaning procedures, and bonded parts can be handled within 30 minutes.

Other features claimed for the adhesive are that it adheres well to metals, glass, ceramics, wood, vulcanised rubbers, and many plastics; it is “a superior electrical insulator”; and it is expected to find uses in the automotive, electronic, electrical, computer, construction, metalworking, and chemical industries

Compression latches for deep doors

Lockable T handle, wing knob, square key, and L handle variants have been added to its 1000 program of IP 65 compression latches by EMKA. “All have shaft extensions to suit even deeper door frames - up to 95mm deep”, says Andy Billingham. “This is especially useful in acoustic cabinet, generating set installation, refrigeration, on-board vehicle, and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning situations.

“Not only does this extensible shaft provide additional depth capability but it also permits manual clamping set-up by means of a threaded adjustment at the inner end. This enables the compression action to be fine-tuned by means of a shaft-mounted lock-nut.”

EMKA’s 1000 program provides a 6mm axial clamp function. After closing, when the lock is turned for its first 90º, the tab is rotated 90º, then stops. As the lock is turned a further 90º this is translated into linear motion which brings the tab 6mm towards the door thus clamping securely on to the door frame. “This ensures that a high degree of vibration resistance is achieved”, says Andy Billingham, “as well as added clamping force on the gasket and a ‘soft’ closure action on the door frame. Unlocking is by reversing the process.” 

Guide to fastener automation

A new CD, ‘Guide to Fastener Automation’, has been made available by Spirol Industries. It provides technical details of all of the company’s automation products and its engineering services together with intuitive video guides for each product range.

Spirol’s Andrew Freeman reports that the range of engineering products and services provided by the company “ensures that our customers achieve the optimum fastening solution for the assembly at the lowest installed cost. To support this we offer a range of equipment for fast and reliable fastener installation and parts feeding of pins, compression limiters, bushings, and inserts.”

The automation products range includes pin inserters and pinning systems, heat insert drivers, self-tapping insert drivers, vibratory feed systems, and radial inverters. “All machines can be supplied with application-specific fixturing. In addition, for greater product efficiency and additional time-savings, plastic component feeding and insert-present sensing technology can be combined with insert installation.

ESD components

Elesa has added to its range of electrostatic discharge compatible standard machine components with the introduction of a grab handle and three variants of its BT fluted grip knob. The company expects that uses for the products will be found in the field of electronic assembly such as in chip insertion equipment, printed circuit board testing, and sub-assembly handling equipment “where their ability to deal with the build-up of electrostatic is important”, says Elesa’s Nigel Pritchett.

The M443-ESD grab handle is available in 107mm and 134mm sizes, in black. The BT knobs - also in black - have male or female fixings as well as an open-ended insert option which allows installation at an intermediate position on a threaded shaft. They are offered in sizes from 16mm to 32mm (outside diameter) with thread fixings from M5 to M10.

Digital fluid dispenser

The SL101 is a self-teach digital bench-top dispenser introduced by I&J Fisnar, the USA-based company whose products are distributed in the United Kingdom by Intertronics. Features include a bright liquid-crystal display, ten memory locations to automatically cycle ten self-taught programs, and touch-sensitive controls to program dispense periods from 0.01 to 9999 seconds.

Auto-cycling is one of the three operation modes available; the other two are manual, enabling a dispense operation to be controlled by a foot-pedal, and timed - dispensing at a preset time.
Systems are offered in 110V and 230V versions; air input is from 70lb/in² to 100lb/in²; dispense output air pressure can be programmed from 1lb/in² to 100lb/in². An adjustable suck-back feature prevents post-dispense dripping and oozing.

The auto-cycling feature operates by sequencing a self-taught cycle of events including a dispense-time together with a wait or pause condition between the cycles. This is stated to allow the SL101 to be used as a stand-alone, semi-automated dispensing system.