Author Archives Bossard

Bossard Online Calculators

Bossard online converters

Bossard takes pride in living up to our “Proven Productivity” name, which is why we have made the design process even easier for you. It can be difficult to start a project when measurements aren’t all universal. Our calculators and converters are designed for engineers, technicians, designers and students involved in the development and assembly of bolted joint.

Here on our website, we have various free calculators and converters for you to take advantage of. There are even more if you create a username and password.
With our online converters, you can convert different units of measure to make your design process quick and easy. Check out our calculators on our website, Bossard.com, and be sure to download the Bossard Fastener Calculator in the App Store.

There are three calculators available to you through our website and app.

Cost Savings Calculator – You can calculate direct savings by reducing the number of different fasteners. Check out our blog on TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and Fastening to learn more about the costs that go into engineering and producing fasteners.

Torque and Preload Calculator – It’s important to know the parameters to successfully work with screws and bolts. The calculations are essential in assembly and joints.

Thread Engagement Length Calculator – The proper design for nuts and bolts is crucial for successful results. Use this calculator to for concise measurements for through hole and blind hole fasteners.

Explore Bossard.com and find calculators for design and production, technical design, and online converters.

Trying to get the proper measurements for an upcoming project? Contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com with questions and concerns—we have you covered. We want to make sure our customers have the best experience with our products and services. For frequent updates and useful information about Bossard, please subscribe to our blog.


April 22, 2016
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BCT® for Composites

BCT-fastener

Can you imagine relying on a small, but mighty rivet nut to connect important materials used for electronics, energy, automotive, and so much more? We can. With Bossard Proven Productivity, we ensure that your BCT®* blind rivet nut will be safe and reliable, just like our other products.

We understand that our little, yet strong products display “simplicity at work” as they are economical and meet the needs of all types of customers. BCT stands for “Bulge Control Technology”, and provides stronger threads than the competition. Trust that these products will form a bulge without controlled hole-filling and stress induction into your work.

Does your project demand high performance with thin-walled, high-tensile, soft, porous, or sandwich materials or involve tight spots? If you answered yes, then our BCT® blind rivet nuts are ideal for your type of work. Don’t worry if your materials have been poorly prepared or involve oversized holes, these rivet nuts thrive in tough situations, and provide an easy assembly process.

Assemble the BCT® blind rivet nut with confidence in delicate materials, plastics, composite woods, and many other materials.

The resilient connection is formed by applying minimal stress around the base material so there’s no damage to it. A “controlled deformation” is created to assure that the position of the blind side is precise. The constant deformation continues until the bulge is plane on the base material.

Rely on BCT® for your jobs that are a real piece of work. Check out our website for more information about installation, application and benefits of our rivet nuts to really catch a glimpse of what they are capable of.

We would love to hear from you! Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com with inquiries and comments about our quality products.

*BCT® is a registered trademark owned by BBA srl Italy

April 15, 2016
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Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Fastening

Total cost of ownership and fastening

It’s important to us here at Bossard to be transparent in all that we do. The purpose of this blog is to outline the total cost of ownership (TCO) in fastening. An individual fastener isn’t responsible for its total cost. There’s a lot that goes into the production of the parts and that’s where the majority of that cost comes from.

We best explain this when referring to something we like to call “The Rule of 15-85.” Those numbers represent the percentages of costs that go into a fastener.

85 percent of costs come from the development, procurement, testing, inventories, assembly and logistics. We call this 85 percent the “invisible costs” because they aren’t visible to our consumers. You all don’t see the work that’s occurring beyond the finished product which you purchase.

The remaining 15 percent of the costs come from the fastener itself. This is also referred to as the “visible cost.”

Another way to think of the TCO is what we call the “iceberg model.” The tip of the iceberg pokes out of the water and is visible, so that’s the 15 percent. The remaining 85 percent is the rest of the iceberg which is hidden beneath the water.

Every solution Bossard creates is designed to reduce costs, according to the TCO concept. Our partners and Bossard work efficiently so you can do the same—cost savings of 50 percent and more can be achieved in the areas of logistics and engineering. These savings have a lasting effect on the cost of the products, which give our customers the best value out there.

Bossard wants to answer any questions you may have about production, total cost of ownership, or about our products. Contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com and subscribe to our blog to learn more about our company!


April 08, 2016
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Bossard Smartbin in 4 Steps

Bossard SmartBin

Bossard is dedicated to efficiency when it comes to delivering products. This includes the delivery methods of C-parts. Bossard’s SmartBins are specially developed to increase the efficiency of your production process. With this innovative resource, you are guaranteed the highest supply, yet reduced stock so you don’t have to store a ton of parts at once. We have broken down the Bossard SmartBin into four steps below.

  1. Storage
    The parts are stored as close to the point of use as possible. The bins are specially designed with weight sensors that are constantly monitoring the stock levels. With SmartBin mobile, you are provided a faster process, as SmartBins are portable and can be moved from different areas right up to the point of use. This storage element eliminates excessive motion, as your parts are right there near you!
  2. Data
    The data that the sensors (mentioned above) collect are sent directly to Bossard online where it is processed. A predetermined re-order point is input into the system and when that point is reached, a replenishment order is triggered and you get your inventory before you even realize it’s low. This continuous monitoring of inventory is made possible with its high-tech remote wireless connection.
  3. Quantity
    Bossard selects the required quantity and labels the material with the necessary customer information. As mentioned in the “data” step, it is collected online and the quantity is pre-determined.
  4. Forwarding
    Your parts are easy to identify as yours because of the labels that were created for each customer. The parts are forwarded to the point of use by Bossard or by the customer.

Bossard has combined efficiency and convenience to deliver our customers a reliable system that will keep their production process running smoothly, while increasing their profitability. We would like to hear your questions and concerns, so contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. Be sure to subscribe to our blog to learn more about our company!


April 01, 2016
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Fastener Platings & Coatings

Coating fasteners

Keeping your fasteners in top working condition is important to maintaining their effectiveness. There are several reasons for coating fasteners. Listed below are the 4 primary reasons:

  1. To improve the appearance of the fastener
  2. To fight corrosion
  3. To reduce friction
  4. To reduce scatter in the amount of preload achieved for a given torque.

There are a variety of coatings and platings that can be used to prevent or delay corrosion in fasteners as well as enhance the physical appearance of the fastener. The following are some of the most common.

Zinc Electroplating: Zinc is by far the most common and economical type of plating used for steel fasteners. It is relatively inexpensive and can be applied in a broad range of thicknesses. The service life of zinc plating is a function of its thickness, exposure to conditions and post plating treatments such as top coats. The most common zinc thickness is 2 to 5 microns thick.

Mechanical Galvanizing: The major advantages of mechanical galvanizing is that the fasteners do not suffer the risk of hydrogen embrittlement because the process is carried out without the use of electricity as well as the lack of acid used in the preparation of the fastener. Mechanical galvanizing provides greater corrosion protection because of its thicker layers which can range from 8 to 20 microns. However, the thicker layers will cause gaging issues with smaller fasteners.

Zinc Nickel: This plating offers superior protection than zinc as well as being RoHS compliant. Thicknesses run between 5 to 10 microns which makes this a very good choice for smaller fasteners that require greater protection.

Deciding which would be most effective for you can be a little difficult. To learn more about fastener platings and coatings or to receive help in deciding which you should use, reach out to us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. We would love to help you out.


March 25, 2016
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Surface Treatment Processes Part Two

Fastener Treatment Processes

Surface Treatment Processes Part Two:
Other Treatment Processes

In our previous blog, you read about the galvanization process that our products undergo prior to packaging and distribution. You also may have noticed the “Part 1” in the title. Well, here in our “Part 2” blog, we are here to talk about the surface treatment processes that you may not know about, other than galvanization.

There are numerous methods of treatment and they all vary on what kind of product we’re dealing with and what works best for said product. We evaluate what the bolt, nut, or other part is used for and treat it appropriately to give our customer the very best products.

There are so many different treatments because the various parts are used in a variety of ways.

Let’s just jump right into it; here are a few other treatment processes that are used to treat your favorite fasteners.

Mechanical plating: This mechanical/chemical process is used by placing the parts in a drum with powdered zinc and glass pellets. The pellets transfer the zinc powder to the surface of the part to be treated.

Black oxidizing of stainless steel: Some treatments are purely decorative, and that is true for this solution. This chemical process involves a hot, hydroxide solution.

Phosphate (Bonderizing, parkerizing, atramentizing): A great undercoat for painting, this process provides slight corrosion protection. It results in a gray to gray/black appearance once the treatment is finished.

Waterproofing/sealing: Used for plated parts, waterproofing and sealing includes dewatering fluid, as well as applying a wax seal. The wax film is invisible when dry.

If you would like more information about surface treatment processes, we would love to tell you all about them! Contact us any time at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com with your questions. Be sure to subscribe to our blogs to keep up with our new posts and learn more about our company!


March 18, 2016
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Surface Treatment Process Part One

Galvanizing Treatments

Surface Treatment Process Part One: Galvanizing Treatments

Bossard Proven Productivity means providing products that you can rely on long-term. This means that we will do everything we can to assure reliable, trust-worthy materials.

For our fasteners, different surface treatment processes are used to make them last. Galvanization is a system that involves the immersion of the steel product into molten zinc that’s been heated to a temperature between 440°C and 470°C.

During galvanization, the steel is lowered inside the kettle until it matches the temperature. A benefit of using this type means that it generally takes less than ten minutes, depending on the thickness of the steel. With a dull and rough finish, it provides corrosion protection; with our “galvanization-passivation” process, it improves the appearance of the fasteners.

In order to prepare the steel for galvanization, among other preparations, it is first cleaned and rid of grease. Next, the product undergoes the treatment and endures a “post treatment” process. During the surface coating, a metallurgical reaction occurs, which is a diffusion measure that assures a regular thickness throughout the treated part.

The color may change after a certain length of time; however, this special treatment can last up to 50 years. Variation in length of time occurs based on the location of the steel. Under harsh conditions, its life will be closer to 25 years, rather than 50.

Similar to other technology, there are always new developments in this process, and Bossard Proven Productivity is always ahead of the game. Our clients are guaranteed innovation and reliability when working with our brand. We care for the parts we produce from engineering to production, always keeping our customers in mind.

We want to answer any questions you have about Proven Productivity, our fasteners and the Galvanization Treatment Process. Send inquiries to ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


March 11, 2016
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Fastening in Plastic Materials

plastic materials fastening

If you’ve ever tried to use fasteners for plastic materials, then you know the importance of this post. If you haven’t, then you will learn a little something about the process and things to consider before beginning your project.

Below, we have compiled a list of five things to know about fastening in plastic materials.

  1. “Flexural Modulus.” What is it?
    Also known as “bending modulus,” it is the ratio of stress to strain in flexural deformation, or the tendency for a material to bend. In other words, it’s a ratio that tells you the flexibility of the plastic, and how it responds to the application of threaded fasteners.

    The lower the flexural modulus, the more the material will flow and form threads.

  2. Fillers and Reinforcements. How are they used?
    Fillers and fiberglass reinforcements can affect at least one property of a thermoplastic, which means it can increase the strength and resistance of the plastic. They can also decrease shrinkage and increase the stiffness of the material.
  3. Fastening in plastic materials: pros and cons
    Pros: Using thread forming fasteners in materials comprised of plastic have a low “fastener cost” and a large supply base.
    Cons: In contrast, there can be a high “fastening cost” using screws and inserts, with added inventory and handling of issues. There is also an expected longer cycle time of molding or insert driving.
  4. “Thermal expansion”
    Plastic materials are prone to changing shape with added heat; this is only a problem if the materials have dissimilar expansion rates and if the temperature change is significant. Plastic expands with heat quicker than steel does, resulting in a gap which can form under the head of the fastener.
  5. Guidelines to consider
    If you can, try to test fasteners in the application before committing to hard tooling. In addition, consider the ratio of drive-to-strip in the actual design. Lastly, keep drive gun speeds reduced in a 300-700 RPM range.

Bossard Proven Productivity is full of tips and tricks to bring our customers the best results possible. For more information about our fasteners or production, contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


March 04, 2016
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RoHS Basics

What is RoHS

All companies who deal with the European Union market are required to follow certain guidelines. These guidelines, known as RoHS and WEEE, are meant to keep the environment clean by banning certain substances that are known to be hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills. These materials can be dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling.

What is RoHS? RoHS is an acronym for the Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances. All applicable products in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance.

What is WEEE? WEEE is an acronym for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It mandates the treatment, recovery and recycling of electric and electronic equipment. All applicable products in the EU market after August 13, 2006 must pass WEEE compliance and carry the “Wheelie Bin” sticker.

In other words, RoHS makes sure products are safe from production to usage, and WEEE completes the process of safety for the environment by regulating the waste and recycling methods.

Here is the complete list of substances that are banned: lead, cadmium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), mercury, hexavalent chromium, and polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants—in electronic and electric equipment

In compliance of these regulations, Bossard has its own “declaration of compliance” where we outline the materials that are used in our products. Below is an example of the materials and substances we use in assurance that we fully comply with regulations set forth by the European Union.

Materials: Steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and plastics (except flame retardant products).

Coating: None, blue/white/clear zinc and zinc alloy plated, zinc flake coatings without chromium (flZnnc), and hot dip galvanization.

For more information about the basics of RoHS and WEEE, we encourage you to contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


February 26, 2016
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Injection Molding bigHeads

composites

Here at Bossard, we search for the “hidden potentials of fastening” by looking beyond what others can see in order to boost your productivity.

There’s a reason that bigHead is the leader in the growing industry of embedded fasteners. With new designs being introduced to the market every day, custom bigHeads are ahead of the pack.

Take a look at the advantages of molding bigHeads below and see the unlimited possibilities behind the custom products. BigHead manufactures strong, reliable, quality fasteners to make your job a whole lot easier.

Strength – Embedded bigHeads retain tensile strength. The bigHead is encased in the material due to the way that material flows through the perforations in the base. Because of this process, we’ve produced a more efficient part because of its light weight.

Time – The use of bigHeads in the molding process sets the fastener into its material before assembly takes place. This time-saving procedure ensures immediate access and security for the beginning of assembly.

Precision – Our perfectly innovative procedure of embedding the bigHead in an injection molded part makes sure that the fastener will be in the correct position accurately, every time. Bossard is consistently exceeding customers’ expectations because of our promise of quality. We never disappoint.

Aesthetics – Our mold in applications foster a molded material surface that is smooth, with the ability to create a reliable fastening point.

You can see how our custom bigHead parts have opened the door to new design possibilities. Our intuition of potential beyond the surface is what allows our engineers to dream up fasteners that assure our customers efficient installation and strong bonds. bigHead’s formula of strength, time, precision and aesthetics reflect the time and dedication put into their manufacturing process.

There’s always more to learn from Bossard Proven Productivity. Surf through our website and contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com anytime for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.


February 19, 2016
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