By Dr. Jody Muelaner Levers are available as extended handles, typically with a threaded shaft or hole at one end to enable fastening to a machine. They are used to increase mechanical advantage, allowing hand operation to exert considerable force, often in conjunction with a screw which multiplies the mechanical advantage. In classical mechanics, a…

Fastener Training Week — an advanced technical training program for fastener distributors, manufacturers, end users, and OEMs — is scheduled for December 2nd to 6th, in La Miranda, California. The course is offered by The Fastener Training Institute, a non-profit organization that provides training on fastener products and standards, in partnership with the Industrial Fasteners…

Nippon Paint Marine has added to its Nippon Optimized and Advanced (NOA) range of self-indicating epoxy coatings with a new system developed to protect chemical and product carrier tanks from corrosion and cargo contamination. NOA PC 700, a phenolic and novolac-based epoxy, is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, solvents, and petroleum products —…

By Julie Miller Polymers exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics, or viscoelasticity —  a powerful feature that offers distinct advantages. However, before choosing polymer fasteners, designers must weigh the effects of stress relaxation in polymers, which may cause joint failures over time. Stress relaxation is a gradual decrease in stress in response to constant strain.…

Accurate Manufactured Products Group (AMPG) recently received a nomination for the Indiana Manufacturers Association’s 2019 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. “The Small-Tier Manufacturer of the Year is for a small-tier Indiana manufacturer or individual and serves to focus public attention on the important, positive, and tangible contributions they make to their employees, customers, and communities,” explained AMPG.…

EFC International’s new BCT rivet nut is a best-practice, light-weighting solution for attaching carbon fiber and composite panels for the automotive industry. The rivet nuts are manufactured by BBA with bulge control technology (BCT). BCT rivet nuts are ultra-high strength and engineered to prevent cracking or delamination of carbon fiber panels. The patented design enables…

Fixtureworks has published a 550-plus page new product catalog, with the aim of helping users save time, work faster, and improve the quality of their projects. Featured items include quick release pins, clamps, fasteners, work-holding products, knobs and handles, spring plungers, rollers, bumpers, and more. A few highlighted products from 2019 include: One touch fasteners:…

AFIXX Alliance and Crossroad Distributor Source sends thanks to all of those who stopped by the CrossFIXX booth at the 2019 International Fastener Expo (IFE) in Vegas this September. The two companies had a custom slot car track at their booth, which was a hit with attendees. “We are extremely proud of our tradition of…

NBK has launched a new video with tips on correctly using its clamping screws. The video describes usage methods for screws with ball-shaped tips for securely fixing workpieces. NBK is a developer and manufacturer of miniature couplings, special screws, and machine elements for advanced industries, including manufacturing equipment for semiconductors, robotics, machine tools, and medical…

By Dr. Jody Muelaner Knobs are rounded handles that users can firmly and comfortably hold onto a piece of machinery or operate a control. The devices may be axisymmetric, spherical, or T-shaped. Handles are used to transmit a force between a person’s hand and an object. A handle must have a sufficient area and ergonomic…