Although generally small in size and individual cost, the unheralded 'fastener' can cause manufacturers a lot of problems including inefficiency, underproduction, lost component availability, downtime and ‘no build’ condition, which all threaten revenue and profits.
This is especially true at the starting point of design when important decisions on the correct type of fastener selection are made. Quite often, the manufacturer focuses on the functional aspects of their product without consideration being given to the type of fastener that will provide the best opportunity to optimise the assembly process when full production commences.
TFC Europe Ltd is a supplier of technical fastener components to industry and delivers innovative products and supply solutions to help customers achieve breakthroughs in product development and new standards of manufacturing efficiency. As a company that has been in existence for over 50 years it recognises early consultation at the design stage enables significant benefits including:
- Increased option availability – the later the assembly method is selected, the fewer options the manufacturer will have leading to more limited, expensive, solutions that may include additional tooling.
- Standard solution selection – the earlier the collaboration, the greater the chance guidance can be offered towards a standard solution and avoid the need to supply a bespoke part.
- Optimised assembly – determines if a better alternative solution can be found. Although a manufacturer's design engineers may be experienced in assessing the project from a fastener perspective, they may overlook specific requirements that can impact on the assembly and production.
- Joint consultation – working in tandem enables both companies to share relevant information about their respective industries.
- Ongoing improvement – by being given first-hand access to the production line, manufacturers benefit from being advised on the latest fastening solutions available and how these can be integrated into the production process.
- Best practices – identifying which products work best for the manufacturer's assembly requirements. These can then be made standard for future designs and in return assembly costs can be lowered, assembly time cut and inventories reduced.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
