Automotive tier 1 company, Faltec Europe required a bespoke fastening for a new major programme it had recently secured with a key global OEM. The trim product to be developed was an injection moulded exterior trim part for a new vehicle due for release in November 2019. A late design change to improve the fit of the part to the vehicle required the attachment of a strengthening support via a P...

Smalley Spirolox® retaining rings and wave springs are suitable for a range of medical devices, including surgical instruments, implantable devices, imaging equipment and dental tools. For almost 40 years, TFC has partnered with US-based Smalley Steel Ring Company to become the leading European supplier and technical support centre for Smalley’s wave springs, Spirolox® retaining rings and snap...

By Dan Starbuck, director, Star Fasteners Despite the challenging economic conditions, at Star Fasteners we believe 2020 is still a year for opportunities and we are looking to embrace new challenges. The fasteners market is greatly affected by the European and global economy and figures from quarter four of 2019 indicated that the first few months were always going to be a challenge. However,...

In order to contain the spread of Covid-19, the Senate of Berlin has imposed a ban on staging large events, in particular exhibitions with more than 5,000 attendees, until 24th October 2020. As a result, it will not be possible for Messe Berlin to hold the 13th edition of InnoTrans from 22nd to 25th September 2020, and the exhibition will now take place from 27th to 30th April 2021. InnoTrans i...

Sometimes cured UV adhesives have a tacky or sticky surface, even after being exposed to the correct amount of UV light, due to a phenomenon called oxygen inhibition. However, with a full understanding of the process, manufacturers can achieve tack free cures. Here Matt Baseley, senior technical salesperson of adhesives specialist Intertronics, explains how to avoid a tacky surface after curing...

Master Bond EP35SP is a two part epoxy system for bonding and sealing applications, providing resistance to many chemicals such as oils, acids, bases, water, fuels, and especially petrochemicals. It features both a high glass transition temperature (Tg) and a broad service temperature range. Its Tg measures 215°C - 220°C and its serviceability extends from -62°C to +288°C (-80°F to 550°F). EP35...

tesa® precision mask 4342 has been developed to deliver sharp, clean, and flat paint edges over large distances every time. The washi tape is the ideal solution for two tone masking applications and other demanding paint jobs. From yachts to trains, trucks, and special vehicles – the tesa® precision mask 4342 is designed to meet the requirements of modern paint systems and processes in the ship...

The water management production of NORMA Group is currently not affected by the extensive shutdown of companies in California as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, being classified as part of the critical infrastructure in the area of ‘water and sanitation’. Production at NDS, a US subsidiary of NORMA Group, therefore continues accordingly at the Fresno and Lindsay plants. The company is taking...

High performance retaining washers from Boker’s can be produced to nearly unlimited specifications, and its numerous styles of non-standard and customised retaining washers are designed to provide secure fastening in the most demanding applications. Retaining washers are essential in applications subjected to vibration, torque, heat or corrosion, with styles that provide added tension and frict...

Atotech’s new passivate Tridur® ZnNi H5.2, combines high corrosion resistance with a flawless black appearance and a low environmental impact, specifically for fasteners and other parts in the automotive industry. A black passivate which is applicable to alkaline and to acidic zinc-nickel surfaces, Tridur® ZnNi H5.2-can be plated on parts and easily combined with aluminium alloys and used in th...