Advance Components, an industrial fasteners master distributor, is now stocking and distributing a new kind of fastener — one that addresses the discomfort associated with face masks.

Face Mask Comfort Straps by ARaymond Industrial were created in response to a customer’s request for a fastener that would:

• Relieve ear discomfort caused by the use of face masks
• Work with the existing elastic straps on masks already procured in mass quantities
• Be produced quickly in large quantities

The design team for ARaymond Industrial/North America came up with a strap consisting of multiple sets of retaining tabs, for various head sizes, that were then 3-D printed and tested with local medical professionals to confirm functionality.

Once the design was validated, the production team developed manufacturing processes to boost speed to market. Nine days later, a mold was running parts in production quantities.

“Stocking and distributing a fastener that brings relief to people who must wear a face mask for long periods of time, is both important and gratifying,” says Gary Cravens, president of Advance.

Advance and ARaymond Industrial have also worked together to ship more than seven million Palnut Push-Ons for use in the manufacturing of COVID-19 testing kits.

“Our solid partnership with ARaymond helped us expedite shipment of these parts that were, and still are, critical during this uncertain time,” says Cravens. “We are happy to take part in the fight against the pandemic, and couldn’t have done it without the help of ARaymond.”

Advance Components is a master distributor of ARaymond/Tinnerman, AVK Industrial, Heyco Products, Parker Fasteners, Vogelsang, Davies Molding, Essentra/Micro Plastics and more.