Smart Factory Logistics

We want your factory to be as good as it can be. Your competition is always evolving. Are you? These days it is important to optimize your production so you can have a leaner and smarter factory and we can help. Bossard has new Smart Factory Logistics that can give you a competitive edge.

The Bossard Smart Factory Logistics methodology will help you become the best possible factory. This methodology focuses on handling your key challenges in the best way possible. We help you tackle problems like reducing overall costs while boosting productivity, or keeping track of market developments that affect your production.

Smart Factory Logistics is a service for managing your B- and C- parts; it helps you uncover hidden potential for productivity improvement. The best part? Your requirements will help determine our system. We want to customize a system that is tailored to what you need.

This system will focus on your needs, but it will also give you five immediate benefits. These benefits are a leaner process, maximum operation flexibility, increased supply chain agility, improved predictability and proven productivity.

We have systems like the fully automated and flexible SmartBin that automates the ordering process and saves you time and effort. We also have the informative SmartLabel that has real-time information to optimize your C-part management.

With our Smart Factory Logistics methodology, we can give you a smooth and seamless supply chain performance. We can help you get an edge on the competition and best of all, we will customize the system to you.

With Bossard, you know it works. Contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com if you have any questions about our Smart Factory Logistics methodology and how we can help you.

Bossard

July 08, 2016

Supply Chain / Logistics, Quality Practices

When you are looking for fasteners, you are trying to evaluate the situation and pick the best way to put materials together. Fastening one or more pieces of light, medium, or heavy gauge sheet metal together may require the use of adhesives, riveting, or self-tapping screws. If an application requires access or several layers, tapping screws may be the best option.

First, what is a self-tapping screw? Tapping screws eliminate the need for drilled holes, as they are designed to cut their own hole as it is screwed into the materials. This creates a good snug fit between the mating threads and allows the parts to be reassembled if necessary.

The three basic types of tapping screws are Self-Tapping, Self-Drilling, and Self-Piercing.

Self-Tapping: Cuts its own thread while being driven into the mating material. The thread cutting screw makes a small hole while entering the material which creates a tight friction fit between the threads. This helps fight vibration loosening and allows the parts to be taken apart if needed. Mostly used in 1-2-layer thin gauge sheet metal applications.

Self-Drilling: Like self-tapping, this type of screw has a drill point which allows it to cut through thick and hard material without having to drill a pilot hole.

Self-Piercing: This screw can pierce the material at sharp angles between 25 to 30 degrees at high speeds.

Note: The Self-Tapping family of screws may create chips of metal between the mating parts. This limits their use in electrical, food, and other applications.

To learn more about how to use self-tapping screws, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

Bossard

July 01, 2016

Fastener Technology

What Fastener Drive Should You Use?

Picking a fastener drive may not seem like a big decision to make, but if you choose the wrong one it can have a significant effect on the assembly of your project and the time it takes to complete your project. It is important to make sure you have the right one, and we can help you come to that decision!

The best fastener drive is always the one that is most effective in transferring torque to the fastener to achieve clamp load.

There are many different types of fastener drives and you will want to use the one that best holds your project together and also achieves a good assembly speed. Some of the types of drives are slotted, Phillips, Frearson, combination, hex, one way, square, and six lobe.

The slotted screw and drive were the first to come about because they were very simple. The problem was that fastener drives can more easily slip out of the slot and damage the screw head or product, so cross drives like the Phillips, Frearson, and combination were created. These drives allow for higher torque because they have greater bit engagement. This leads to quicker assembly, so cross drives such as these should be considered if you are trying to speed up your assembly process. Cross drives are also good for screws with low torque because the cross allows the drives to more easily maintain bit engagement to achieve more torque.

Other types of drives include the square, hex, or six lobe recess. These were designed to be used when high torque is required to achieve maximum clamp load. Most high volume production fasteners will use these types of drive recesses. They also require little effort to maintain bit engagement minimizing drive strip out issues.

It can be frustrating trying to fasten something on a project because you may feel like you aren’t making any headway. Picking the correct fastener drive for the job can make your project go a lot more smoothly. Contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com if you have any questions about fastener drives and choosing the best one for your job.

Bossard

June 17, 2016

Torque and Galling, Fastener Technology

In previous blog posts we’ve discussed Bossard SmartBin and how it can help with efficiency and convenience in your company. We’re bringing the subject up again because there’s another important aspect of this system to consider. Continue reading to learn about how Bossard SmartBin can save you both time and money.

At Bossard, we understand how valuable time and money really are. It’s our goal to help make your work flow as efficient as possible. That’s where Bossard SmartBin comes in.

But, just how is the SmartBin going to help save you time and money? Look at our list below:

continuous inventory monitoring by means of weight sensors
safe and reliable demand recognition
automatic ordering
automatic recognition of box refills
operate 24/7
inventory lists at the touch of a button
access to online platform (ARIMS)
transparent order and consumption statistics

These bins continuously monitor inventory with weight sensors. Once your stock gets to a certain level, it will automatically recognize that it’s ready for a refill and will go ahead and order. This maintenance-free program helps to enhance profitability by ensuring there are always products ready to be sold. However, it’s not just the profitability that is going to be enhanced. Since the SmartBin doesn’t need manual intervention, this saves employees time to work on core activities and help increase your efficiency.

Bossard Proven Productivity is dedicated to helping our customers through innovation and sharing our quality products. If you have further questions about the Bossard SmartBin and the SmartBin benefits, take a look at one of our additional blogs on the subject or email us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

Bossard

June 10, 2016

Supply Chain / Logistics, Quality Practices, Total Cost of Ownership

stainless steel fasteners and the benefits

When you are moving past the design phase and into the building phase of your project, you need to make sure you have quality materials to help you get the job done right.

When it comes to putting a project together you want to make sure it holds up. We can help! With our stainless steel fasteners you won’t ever have to worry about a project falling apart. We use stainless steel because it is a quality product that will allow you to build whatever you need.

Some of our stainless steel fasteners include your basic screws, nuts, pins, washers, and anchors. However, we also have rivets that can be used for blind fastening solutions, hose clamps that can give you non-leak connections, and thread forming screws that can help you fix malleable materials. Whatever you need to do we have a quality fastener to fit your needs.

Once you know the type of fasteners you need, the question you may be asking next is why choose stainless steel. There are actually many benefits to using stainless steel fasteners such as:

Resistance to corrosion – stainless steel does not rust or tarnish giving you a better look and lasts longer.
Strength – stainless steel is strong and it will hold up in harsh corrosive environments and it will also hold up in place with very high or low temperatures.
Value – stainless steel may cost a little bit more originally, but it has a lasting value. Stainless steel fasteners will last longer than other fasteners so you will have savings in the long term.
Low maintenance – stainless steel is easy to keep up because it is resistant to scratches and corrosion and it is easy to clean.

Stainless steel fasteners are definitely something you will want to include in your next project, and with Bossard Proven Productivity we ensure that the products you get from us will be safe and reliable. Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com with any questions you may have about stainless steel fasteners and their benefits.

Bossard

June 03, 2016

Corrosion, Fastener Technology

Throughout a typical day, our engineers are asked at least once, “What torque should I use?” for any given size and application. This question is very loaded and requires many details to arrive at a hypothesized torque. The torque is considered hypothesized until testing is performed on an actual application. Until it is tested, it is not confirmed.

The factors that govern any “proper” torque strategy are the strength of the fastener, the surface pressure limits of the mating material, and the friction under the head and in the threads. The ultimate goal of torque is clamp load, so these factors essentially influence total clamp load. Total clamp load, or preload, in most applications is required to keep anything together.

The most common method of finding the proper torque is looking it up on a torque chart. Most companies have some sort of organized torque chart based on size and some refer to the surface finish of the fastener. This is an attempt to consider the friction of common fastener finishes. Our engineers would rate this method very low on an accuracy scale when a specific clamp load is desired. The method we recommend to any design engineer requires a load cell and measuring of the clamp load while tightening. This confirms the design and the engineer’s desired clamp or preload. The torque to get to this clamp load will be the proper torque.

When friction varies and the clamp load needs to be achieved every single time (like a head bolt on an engine) a torque turn method is the proper choice. This method takes a bit more testing to be repeatable but is very accurate. By testing several joints and measuring the clamp load and torque simultaneously, a snug torque can be acquired and then an angle-of-turn added. The snug torque may only be a tenth of the final torque but the angle-of-turn can and will produce accurate and repeatable clamp. For more information on this method, and help determining this angle, contact us any time at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

Please read and subscribe to our blog to receive information and tips about Bossard Proven Productivity.

Bossard

May 27, 2016

Torque and Galling

bossard's selection of multifunctional fasteners

Bossard Selection is a group of multifunctional fasteners selected carefully by Bossard to make your life a whole lot easier. We have come through on our Proven Productivity promise to deliver parts that are of the best quality, reliability, availability and safety. This selection is unique because it was carefully put together to give you the most efficient fasteners, available when you need them.

So, how can Bossard Selection of multifunctional fasteners improve your experience? We’ve compiled a list of ways this selection will enhance your productivity.

Multifunctional in the application—these fasteners work in a variety of applications, giving you parts that are flexible for your needs.
Less individual pieces—when you are using our multifunctional fasteners, there is no need to use one hundred different fasteners that will give you the same result as this selection will.
Shorter throughput time—our fasteners will be available to you when you need them!
Faster and safer assembly—who doesn’t want to save time during this process? Enhance your efficiency for a faster and safer assembly.
Reduced installation time—with simple installation comes quick installation. Experience efficiency with our selection of multifunctional fasteners. You will know exactly what you need and how they work together.
Increased productivity—with all of these benefits combined, you have one efficient process of assembly, which will increase your productivity.

Our unique product features are the reason why we call our services “Proven Productivity.” Bossard comes up with new ways to increase your efficiency to get the job done quickly, safely and with the best quality. Our exclusive product selection is sure to help you get the best results for whatever project you are working hard on.

For more handy product solutions and information about our multifunctional fasteners and Bossard Selection, check out the rest of our website. Make sure you subscribe to our blog to receive insight into our company and our products. We would love to provide you with additional advice so contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

Bossard

May 20, 2016

Fastener Technology

As much as we all hate to admit it, mistakes sometimes occur when designing or maintaining our projects. Bossard Proven Productivity is here to make sure you are aware of the risks of metal-to-metal corrosion and how to prevent rust.

Visually, corrosion is harmful to the appearance and surface of an item. More importantly, it can cause structural damage if it isn’t discovered and prevented from the very beginning.

In order to understand how to fix your problem, you have to know what kind of corrosion you’re dealing with and what causes it.

How does metal-to-metal corrosion happen? In the simplest words, the contact between different metals causes accelerated galvanic corrosion to occur in one of those metals, while the other remains protected. To prevent this, you don’t want a large cathode surface in contact with a small anode surface.

To prevent this type of corrosion from happening, electrically insulate the two metals from each other. If there is no contact, then the reaction will not occur.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose fasteners carefully during the initial stages of the design process to avoid chances of corrosion from the start. Choosing metals that have similar electropotentials can prevent the headache of metal-to-metal corrosion. Plating is another way to use more noble metals that better resist corrosion.

Read our blogs on the surface treatment processes to find out how Bossard products are treated for minimal corrosion.

We are dedicated to contribute to the success of our customers. Explore our website for more information about how our products can help you in your next design project.

Do you have stories about corrosion? Share your corrosion problems and questions with us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. We would love to hear from you! For more information about Bossard and tips about fasteners and design, check out the rest of our blogs at provenproductivity.com and subscribe to get regular updates!

Bossard

May 13, 2016

Corrosion

There are just so many things that go into a project, and each aspect serves an important role in the strength of the finished product. When it comes to design, the smallest details can potentially alter the performance of the structure. Will it withstand any type of weather? Will it fall apart after its first use? How much torque can it handle before it needs maintenance? These are just a few of the questions to answer while going through your design process.

One important factor to consider is where your structure or product will be and how it will be used. You will need to know what type of wear it needs to endure in order to know how to create a strong enough product. The design should set it up to be reliable and long-lasting.

When it comes to making decisions regarding materials and parts to use, choose carefully, and make sure to do your research! Look at the product descriptions and pay attention to what they were made to do. A key to proper design is to use the right combination of fasteners, nuts, bolts, and washers.

Fastener selection can be more difficult than it sounds. Remember to carefully compare the size, shape, weight, length, etc. to achieve the perfect design for a useful product or structure.

Here at Bossard, we use the term “Proven Productivity” to describe our commitment to providing our customers with the right tools and solutions to be as successful as possible. Whether it be design or installation, we are dedicated to helping you along the way.

We would love to answer any questions you have about design and fastener selection. Explore our website and check out our blog posts to learn more about engineering solutions and our company! Contact us any time at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

Bossard

May 06, 2016

Quality Practices

We know you have all experienced the loosening of fasteners at some point in your career…but have you received any good tips on how to prevent it from happening? Bossard is here to help. We have come up with a few pointers to help you solve this problem.

A little loosening is inevitable. There is constant wear and tear on parts over time, no matter how strong they are. We have highlighted a few scenarios that explain how loosening happens below:

Static loosening: Loosening occurs because of the relaxation of a joint (loss of clamp load)
Rotational loosening: As fasteners rotate, due to slippage in the interfaces of joint members, it can become loose and can become a problem
Loss: When the fastener is under constant vibration, nuts and bolts slack off until it eventually separates from the base

Here at Bossard, we believe that there is a solution to every problem, and we would like to help you solve that problem. Check out these ways to prevent loosening:

To prevent loosening from occurring, increase the stiffness of the clamped parts or make your fastener more flexible. For maximum hold, the following parts are useful: a flange screw, a hardened washer, or a spring washer (Belleville).
To prevent rotational loosening, try using the following items: a locking adhesive, a thread forming screw, a Nord-Lock® washer, a serrated/corrugated flange, a rib lock washer, or a locking nut.

Do you have questions about how to prevent loosening? Contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. We want our customers to have the best experience with products provided to you by Bossard.

Check out our other blogs to find out more about our products and to learn more about our company. You can subscribe to get regular updates and tips from us at Bossard. Discover new parts and solutions by scrolling through the rest of our website.

Bossard

April 29, 2016

Fastener Technology

Author Archives Bossard

Smart Factory Logistics

Self-Tapping Screws: What They Are and When to Use Them