Engineered fastener and components distributor, EFC International, continues to “Redefine the World of Distribution”, exhibited in part by the company’s recent implementation of Power BI (from Microsoft). Power BI is linked to their internal SAP operating system and CRM software. EFC has been at the leading edge of the industrial distribution industry, embracing and implementing…
How do you minimize air bubbles in a two-part epoxy?
Many two-part epoxies can be mixed by hand in small batches. A hardener is typically added to the epoxy resin, then the two are stirred with a utensil in a mixing vessel. Complete mixing may take several minutes. Pot life varies from minutes to hours, and mixtures may require additional mixing after a period of…
What are U-clips?
By Dr. Jody Muelaner U-clips are an easy-to-assemble mechanical fastener. They are normally formed from a single strip of sprung steel, bent into a ‘U’ shape to form two legs. These legs often have lead lips so that they can be easily pushed over panels and sheet components, causing the legs to open outwards. The…
What are spacers?
By Dr. Jody Muelaner A spacer is used to increase the distance between parts being fastened. Spacers are often a length of tube through which a fastener is inserted; a short spacer may therefore resemble a thick washer. Washers are sometimes used as small spacers. Spacers are similar to standoffs, but standoffs include a threaded…
Why understanding fasteners is more important today than ever
By John Wachman, Managing Director, Fastener Training Institute Unfortunately, most of the details of how components are assembled is an afterthought. This can be a mistake and add to the complexity and cost of finished products. Design for manufacture is not a new concept, but reliable current information about fasteners is not only important but…
Company profile: Kanebridge Corp.
We recently spoke with Vic LaPoma, Marketing Manager for Oakland-N.J. based Kanebridge Corp. about the company’s history, capabilities and outlook. LaPoma said that that company was incorporated 1975 and has two owners. Kanebridge, a master distributor, sells to distributors only and has three locations in the United States: New Jersey, Illinois, and California. “We carry…
What’s a thread repair kit?
By Dr. Jody Muelaner Thread repair kids allow damaged threads in a hole to be removed and replaced with new threads of the same size. They may also be used to provide strong threads in soft materials such as aluminum. A thread repair kit consists of a tapping tool, an insertion tool and some thread…
What are studs?
By Dr. Jody Muelaner A stud is essentially just a piece of threaded bar. This often resembles a machine screw without a head, although some studs to have heads that get permanently incorporated into the part they are attached to. Studs are often designed to be permanently attached to one part, proving a means of…
What is a universal joint?
By Dr. Jody Muelaner A universal joint is a connection between two objects, typically shafts, that allows relative rotation in two axes. It is made up of two revolute joints with perpendicular and intersecting axes. When shafts are connected using a universal joint, each shaft terminates in a revolute joint with its axis perpendicular to…
What is explosion welding?
Explosion welding, also called explosive cladding, joins two metals together by an explosive force. It is often used to join dissimilar metals that have a significant difference in mechanical properties, thermal expansion coefficients, or melting temperatures — such as a low-cost metal to a more expensive corrosion-resistant metal. Some of the common clad layers deposited…