Fastening and Assembly Solutions April 2008 - show preview

3M (www.3m.com) will be showcasing its comprehensive range of tapes and fixing media and will demonstrate how its products can be used for many different applications. This year 3M will be promoting its Rite-Lok range of industrial adhesives and sealants - a new and exciting addition to its extensive portfolio. Also on show will be the company's popular VHB and Dual Lock tapes, which are high-bond tapes for permanent or repositionable applications. 3M is also keen to highlight its technical and consultancy expertise and the capabilities of its UK-based laboratories, enabling the company to develop bespoke, customised products for customers' fastening requirements.

Amberlea Plastics (www.amberleaplastics.co.uk) will be giving away copies of its catalogue of cost-effective fasteners and special-purpose mouldings. The company says it has the ability to supply almost any one- or two-piece plastic fastener or component, including insert mouldings and those requiring the application of adhesive tape. Low-cost tooling means that small quantities can be supplied economically. Quotations are normally provided within one working day.

Binder Fastener Systems (UK) (www.binderuk.com) will be demonstrating its range of Kletten fasteners. Products in the range include Klettostar hook-and-loop fastener, Klettolastic elasticated hook-and-loop fastener, Duotec self-engaging fastener and the extruded low-profile Microplast fastener. A new webshop will enable users of smaller quantities of some fasteners in the range to purchase lower volumes. When it is launched, access will be via a link on www.binderuk.com.

Bollhoff Fastenings (www.bollhoff.com) will exhibit a 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 one side only. Eliminating spot-welding or riveting, the technology provides a fast, quiet, cold and emission-free joints in modern materials in a simple, cost-effective process. Already recognised as a world leader with the Rivnut brand of blind rivet nuts, in 2008 the company will manufacture and supply Rivquick break-stem blind rivets, both in the standard and structural categories, to complement its Rivset self-piercing rivets and Rivclinch mechanical clinching.

Lee Spring (www.leespring.co.uk) will be introducing two new spring products: constant-force springs and Redux wave springs. Both spring types are offered from stock and can be custom-designed to suit particular applications. These products increase Lee Spring's portfolio to over 15,500 different types of stock spring. Constant-force springs resist uncoiling and are suitable for use in retractor mechanisms, such as counterbalance springs, car seat belt and cable retractors. Redux wave springs perform a similar function to compression springs but take up 50 per cent less space. They perform best in static or slightly dynamic applications where space is critical or where radial and axial tolerances are tight.

Norbar Torque Tools (www.norbar.com) will be highlighting the new TruTorque range of torque wrenches, which is said to be the result of one of the most significant design exercises in the company's history. The new range covers torque of 20-300Nm in five models. All sizes offer bi-directional control, which is essential for left-hand threads and for controlling the maximum torque when undoing bolts. Ratchets are reversible for ease of positioning and have a narrow engagement angle so they can be used in tight spaces. Ease of adjustment allows fingertip control over the whole length of the scale. Other important products on show will be torque testers, including the TruCheck for easily and quickly checking that torque tools are in calibration before use.

Norma UK (www.normagroup.com) is the UK subsidiary of the Norma Group, which is claimed to be the world's largest manufacturer of clamping and connecting products. Specialising in components such as worm-drive hose clips, heavy-duty clamps, tool clips, retaining clips and plastic connectors, Norma UK products are used throughout the industrial and OEM sectors where performance, quality and cost-effectiveness are important. On show at this year's exhibition will be a comprehensive range of products from the Norma, Terry and ABA brands, plus there will be a selection of clamps from the Breeze industrial product range, which is the latest addition to the Group's brand portfolio.

Plastic Parts Centre is now more than just a plastic cap and plug supplier. Over the last couple of years the business has changed to one that can meet the needs of most customers' requirements for small components. 2008 sees the launch of the Mesan range of hinges and latches to extend the product range still further. Visit the stand to see these and collect a free catalogue.

Sika (www.sika.co.uk) will highlight the advantages offered by its comprehensive range of adhesives and sealants. The company's high-performance products cover sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protection applications. See Sika's new range of SikaLock products, which are high-quality cyanoacrylate and anaerobic adhesives suitable for a wide variety of industrial bonding, electrical and assembly operations. SikaLock adhesives are claimed to cost-effectively simplify and speed-up mass production processes across a broad range and size of manufacturing industries. Also on show will be Sika's wide range of sealant technologies including one- and two-component polyurethanes, one-component polyurethane hybrids and reactive acrylic adhesives.

Specialty Fasteners (www.specialty-fasteners.co.uk) will be demonstrating the new AeroCatch2 panel fastener and the innovative SLIC pin assembly fastener - an all-in-one cotter pin and retainer - that reduces installation time and component count. Also on display will be the original AeroCatch demonstration, showing the various ways this shear pin latch can be used. These products are part of the SFC's comprehensive range of manufactured and distributed quick-release fasteners and hardware. SFC manufactures the AeroCatch shear pin latch, Push-Turn fasteners, snap-in captive and SEMS screws for the electronics market. SFC supplies Alcoa Fastening Systems products including Camloc and Tridair quick-release fasteners, a range of quick-release pins and non-threaded fasteners, Spiralock thread locking system, Stop Choc and Barry Controls anti-vibration mounts, Accuride drawer slides, Camloc gas springs and Hydraflow flexible couplings and hose assemblies. A design service for non-standard products is available.

Stahlwille Tools (www.stahlwille.co.uk) will be displaying examples form its comprehensive range of hand tools, ranging from traditional spanners to the hi-tech electronic angle-controlled torque wrench. Complying with ISO 6789, the latest 730D electromechanical torque wrench is claimed to be the first that offers the 'click' feel of a standard mechanical torque wrench combined with the ability to set, display and record the torque values actually applied. These results can then be printed from a PC or laptop.

Sugatsune Kogyo (UK) (www.sugatsune.co.uk) will be displaying a selection of high-quality industrial hardware that is available direct from stock to customers in the UK and Europe. More than 3500 items are marketed under the Lamp and ZweiL brands, including: assisted-lift door stays and hinges; handles; latching systems; mechanical and magnetic catches; fasteners; casters; adjustable feet; drawer slides; locks; brackets and shelving systems. The company's renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail is reflected in the inherent reliability of its products and in the patented Lapcon damping technology on its soft opening/closing devices. Many of the company's products are available in 304 or 316 grade stainless steel, making them suitable for aggressive environments and clean-room applications.

Tappex Thread Inserts (www.tappex.co.uk) will be showing its reliable, cost-effective fasteners for plastics. The company offers over 25 standard variations on three patented designs for use in thermoplastics, thermosets and structural foam. In line with its philosophy of continuous product development, Tappex has recently introduced a new addition to the range called Trisert-3 for plastic and metal alloy applications. Designed for critical conditions, the robust Trisert-3 can withstand harsh environments and corrosive atmospheres. The new insert is available in two grades of stainless steel and also in case-hardened steel with an electroplated finish.

Unifast Fastening Systems (www.unifast.co.uk) will be introducing its new Kapti-nut AL series of high-strength captive nuts designed for insertion into thicker aluminium sections of 5-10mm. Installed in a similar way to the standard Kaptinut, the AL series nut fulfils a market need where automotive manufacturers are opting for aluminium sections in their vehicles. The standard Kapti-nut is specifically targeted to supersede traditional weld nuts by overcoming the inherent quality problems associated with the projection welding process. The system offers both economic and environmental savings to manufacturers because of its inherent simplicity. Installation is a single-stroke pressing. Kapti-nuts are suitable for multiple and automated insertion into thin-gauge steel, aluminium and pre-finished materials. The finished installation is visually verifiable, enabling product quality and performance to be assured. The Fast Turn quick-acting fasteners, introduced in 2007, consist of a stud with a spiral cam that engages with a support-mounted spring steel receptacle. A rapid half-turn of the stud compresses and locks the assembly. The system provides a constant spring force and compensates for tolerances between the panel and support.

Unique Design Systemation (www.unique-design.co.uk) describes itself as an innovative and progressive engineering company, specialising in automatic screwdriving systems and assembly tooling. UDS also stocks and sells Boma aluminium frame building systems. Boma is claimed to be unique in the methods of joining the profiles together without the need for drilling of any holes. At the show UDS will be presenting its new design of pneumatic powered conveyor and adjustable workstation arm. UDS can also design and build special-purpose assembly machines using components from the companies it represents in the UK

Velcro (www.velcro.com) will be displaying samples from its extensive product range for markets including the automotive, industrial, medical, construction and electrical sectors. The company will be highlighting a range of Velcro brand products such as the Ultra-Mate brand High-Technology Hook, One-Wrap brand straps and the new Velcro brand Flex-Zone technology.

Pre-register for the event now at www.fastening-solutions-exhibition.co.uk/preregister.php

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More news about other exhibitors is available at www.machinebuilding.net/n/n0888.htm and www.machinebuilding.net/n/n0931.htm.