Author Archives Bossard

Anatomy of a Fastener

Fastener Creation

Anatomy of a Fastener

Our products speak for themselves; we produce quality fasteners efficiently and better than any other company out there. So, what’s our Proven Productivity-secret to manufacturing a fastener that our customers trust? We’ve conducted a list to break down the “anatomy” of our fasteners to give you a peek inside the production process.

Cold Forming
What is it? Cold forming is the process of forging metals at near room temperatures with high speed and pressure.

Why do we use it? This cost-efficient use of raw material moves the metal so wire can be smaller than the finished part. Cold forming also offers us an uninterrupted grain flow.

The alternative to cold forming is “screw machining.” This method interrupts that grain flow we mentioned. In addition, the blank needs to be as wide as the largest diameter of the product and as long as its final length.

Heading Process
What is it? Heading is the process of forming the fastener—it is pushed through what we call a “die.” The die presses the mold, shaping our fastener precisely and perfectly. Our process includes the ratio of one die to one blow heading, one to two, and two to three processing. This particular operation plays a large factor in the cost-effectiveness of cold forming, as well as it contributes to the strength of the final result.

Materials
Here at Bossard, Proven Productivity, we use a wide variety of materials in the production of our fasteners. It takes high quality products to produce high quality products and that’s exactly what we do in the manufacturing of Bossard fasteners.

  • Low carbon steel
  • Medium carbon steel
  • Alloys
  • Aluminum
  • Stainless steel
  • High technology alloy
  • Tool Steel

Thread Rolling
Last, but certainly not least, our fasteners enter the process of “thread rolling.” This involves rolling the threads on the shank using thread dies. A threading die is a block with a slanted ridge in the shape of threads.

Now that you have caught a glimpse into the manufacturing of your favorite fastening materials, you can see how it takes care and precision to produce a brand you love. We would love to hear your questions and comments, so contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


February 12, 2016
Read More

FASTEKS KLIPKO® Cage Nuts

earthing cage nuts

FASTEKS KLIPKO® Cage Nuts

Simple installation, flexible, stable, and easy to handle: FASTEKS KLIPKO® cage nuts live up to the Bossard Proven Productivity standard. These single-part hollow thread nuts are easy to install without the need for reworking. They are used to connect materials and surfaces for a reliable bond, while equalizing the tolerance of the equipment.

Below, we have featured three cage-nuts that are tailored to your needs.

  • FASTEKS KLIPKO® Standard cage nuts
    The standard cage nut is clipped from the back with ease using pliers. The standard cage nut design can be extended as needed once installed. It comes in stainless and galvanized steel with seven thread size options.
  • FASTEKS KLIPKO® Earthing cage nuts
    This variation is designed to enter the coating to ensure a secure fit with the other materials. Similar to the standard cage nut, this fastener is offered in stainless and galvanized steel with six thread size options.
  • FASTEKS KLIPKO® Front-mounting cage nuts
    Opposite of the standard cage nut, the front-mounting cage nut is anchored from the front. Install it easily after paint with a screwdriver or a metal strip; remove and re-use as desired. Like all other cage nuts, this variation is made of stainless or galvanized steel, with three thread sizes available.

Bossard has partnered with KVT since 2012 to produce fastening technology that will revolutionize our various customers’ projects. The result of our intricate planning and engineering is quality and reliability.

Check out their website for full product descriptions and product lists. We have a wide variety of designs, as well as tools for cage nuts. Have questions? Contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


February 05, 2016
Read More

Custom bigHead® Parts

custom bighead fasteners

Custom bigHead® Parts

Although there are 400 standard bigHeads to choose from, we understand that those may not work for everyone. With over 5,000 custom bigHeads, we are dedicated to supplying fasteners that work for our customers. bigHead has the ability to create drawings and prototypes in their own factory where all design and manufacturing takes place. You can trust Bossard to test the samples and feed you the results so you can assure your custom bigHead will be nothing short of satisfactory.

Since 1966, bigHead fasteners have been ahead of the competition in every way. The market-leading performance comes from a unique weld process which results in a strong and reliable product. Work with us to find the perfect way to turn your vision into reality. bigHead will collaborate with you to bring out your ideas and creativity to design a fastener that’s exactly what you need. We use our innovative expertise to give you constructive feedback on your strategy. Next, we will test and refine your design to assure that you’re getting exactly what you need for assembly and operation.

Check out these examples of unique fasteners, which were created in collaboration with our customers:

Nacelle Fastener
This custom fastener is made from 316 stainless steel to protect against corrosion. Its unique design can be color-matched and is lightning strike protected.

Limpets
Designed to meet each of our customer’s preferences, these bigHeads are enveloped in polyurethane. The low-profile fasteners are ultrasonically welded into position, making them secure and precise.

3 Tang Quilt Pin
We collaborated with our customer who needed a head with bendable “tangs.” This unique design was created to retain insulations blankets.

Download the template from our website to send us a sketch of your design idea. Explore our website for more information about the design and production process. If you have any questions about custom bigHead parts, feel free to contact us anytime at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


January 29, 2016
Read More

Correct Use of Nylon Lock Nuts

nylon insert locknuts

Nylon lock nuts are used across a wide variety of industries, including in appliances, computers, furniture, medical equipment, vehicles, sheet metal, and aircraft. Heavier nylon insert lock nuts are used in buildings, on bridges, and in railroad equipment.

Because these types of locknuts are nylon, they are not suitable for use in applications that require elevated temperatures or that come into contact with certain types of chemicals. The locknut does provide a seal against gas and moisture.

The nylon insert locknut comes with an insert that fits the threads of the screw it is placed on and causes a gripping action due to the friction it creates. This, in turn, lessens the chance that the nut will become loose because of vibrations.

Although the name nylon insert locknut creates the impression that they actually lock, they do not. Depending on the amount of vibration in the application that the locknut is used for, the parts may become loose. However, they will not come apart because of the friction that results between the locknut and the threads.

The torque that is needed is just enough to run the nut down the threads and firmly seat it. The thread should protrude over the rolled collar and the end of the screw should protrude above the nut body once it is seated. Nylon insert locknuts can be adjusted or removed a limited number of times after the first use, however, the friction factor decreases after each use.

An expert in the fastener industry should be consulted to determine whether the use of nylon insert locknuts is suitable for your particular application. Please contact ProvenProductivity@bossard.com if you have any questions about nylon insert locknuts and their uses.


January 22, 2016
Read More

Bossard Fastener Expert Tools Box

Fastener Expert Tools

Bossard Fastener Expert Tools Box

Bossard is proud of its innovative technologies and ever growing engineering solutions, so we’re especially excited to announce our newest product for sale: the Fastener Expert Tools box.

This high-quality box contains:

  1. Over 60,000 2D and 3D CAD fastener drawings, including over 38,000 catalog parts and over 22,000 special parts. All of the software comes on a customized Bossard USB memory stick in the shape of a hex head cap screw.
  2. Unlimited access to Bossard engineering calculators and other expert resources; i.e. technical resources and white papers (given that the user registers to our website).
  3. An encyclopedia of fastening technology (i.e. latest Bossard T-section).
  4. A high quality Rotring/Bossard pencil.

We believe in doing the right thing from the beginning, so along with the items included in the box, you also get expert support and complete dedication from your friends here at Bossard if you run into an issue or have any questions.

The benefits of all this CAD data at your fingertips are extensive. The easy-to-use graphical user interface (in both English and German) makes for the best possible user experience. Having access to all this information in such a simplified place will both help simplify an engineer’s work and speed up the prototype design time.

There are no limits to your options – especially because there are unlimited number of downloads to any CAD systems with all different kinds of file formats available to ensure you can use it anywhere and anytime. An internet connection isn’t even needed to access the information and files. Once online, there is a simple online update feature provided to help stay on top.

If you have any questions about the Fastener Expert Tools box or are interested in purchasing one, please contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. We’d love to discuss our new product further!


January 15, 2016
Read More

Special Engineered Parts

engineered parts

Special Engineered Parts

Fastening solutions are often a critical piece of your product. This small piece can have a significant impact on your product, from functionality to design to durability.

So what happens when you can’t find the right fastening solution for your product?

The answer is simple: Bossard will create one.

Bossard works to develop and produce cost-effective solutions that are tailored to our individual customers’ needs. That means creating special engineered parts, including cold extruded parts, turned parts, milled parts, stamped parts and bent parts. Whatever our customers need.

Extrusion parts are produced in large batch sizes and will require special tools, and whether or not the part can be produced through the extrusion process depends on material, form, production tolerances and other performance targets.

Turned and milled parts are best suited for prototypes, and anything that requires high precision, tight tolerances and complicated forms.

Punched and bent parts are perfect for fastening elements, washers and other parts for machinery and equipment construction, from single parts to small and large batches.

Not to mention finishes and secondary operations on standard products or specialty items that can be used to address and/or accommodate special customer requirements.

For unparalleled competence, proven quality and unquestionable reliability, choose Bossard and our special engineered parts customized to fit your needs.

Interested in learning more about our special engineered parts? We’d love to discuss this further! Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to get the conversation started.


January 11, 2016
Read More

Lean Manufacturing In Four Steps

Inventory Management with Bossard

Everyone involved in manufacturing wants to increase productivity and decrease inefficiencies. But how? Bossard is a company that understands the needs of the market. More and more companies are being challenged to streamline their processes and reduce costs, all in search of the next innovation.

Fortunately, Bossard is no stranger to innovation. To boost your manufacturing productivity and lower the total cost of ownership, partner with Bossard. We can help you in four simple steps!

  1. Plan. Bossard will conduct a value stream analysis to identify areas of potential optimization. The goal is to ensure that your processes are maintaining the competitive edge necessary for your next generation of products. We provide an in-depth report with appropriate recommendations for action.
  1. Execute. Put that plan for change into action. Completing the value stream analysis and putting together a report is one thing. Taking those recommendations and executing them is the next big step. And as your partner, Bossard will be there every step of the way in the implementation process.
  1. Check. Once you have implemented the plan, you need to do more than cross your fingers and hope for the best. You need to keep an eye on how the implementation of the plan is affecting your processes, both positively and negatively. Monitoring the progress is important to achieving success.
  1. Adapt. The plan isn’t going to be flawless. The key is to review how the plan is working and make modifications based on the results. Only then will you have begun to innovate and create a unique and wholly effective plan that is tailor-made to your products and services.

But this one blog post is far from a comprehensive guide to lean manufacturing. Interested in learning more? We’re here to further the discussion. Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to get the conversation started.


January 01, 2016
Read More

Access Your Real Time Data with Bossard SmartLabel Cloud

Bossard Smartlabel

Bossard SmartLabel Cloud is our latest logistics solution. It is an intelligent label – displaying all relevant product information and real-time order status – that can be fixed onto nearly anything, not just storage bins. Users can even release orders at the point of use with the simple touch of a button.

The benefits of SmartLabel Cloud are numerous. Reduced procurement and storage costs, less expense in monitoring of stocks, and lower rate of capital commitment are among the reasons that SmartLabel Cloud is considered so innovative and efficient. These benefits will ultimately move you forward in your lean management journey and decrease your total cost of ownership (TCO). Calculate the total cost of ownership of your organization here with Bossard’s TCO calculator!

Above all, SmartLabel Cloud is flexible, transparent, and adaptable. It is user-friendly, allowing for orders at the direct point of use. It also provides real-time delivery information – from the order status to the delivery date – that is presented on the display. These labels can be used for different boxes and can even function within your own existing infrastructure, avoiding the need for massive overhauls.

The e-paper display is also easy to read under all lighting conditions and has a long battery life.

Additionally, SmartLabel Cloud integrates with our interactive supply chain platform, ARIMS. This allows you to have full visibility of your inventory anywhere, anytime. ARIMS uses big data analytics to deliver real time analytics about your B- and C-parts.

More than anything, SmartLabel Cloud is reliable and trusted. Our logistics team works hard to provide innovative and unique solutions that will streamline your work processes and help you achieve lean manufacturing.

For a virtual walk through of the whole process, see our video below.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of Bossard SmartLabel? We’d love to chat! Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to get the conversation started.

EMAIL US   

NEXT UP

4 Supply Chain Solutions for Your Organization with Bossard

4 Inventory Management Strategies to Help Your Business Succeed


December 18, 2015
Read More

Friction and Friction Coefficients

Friction Coefficients

Friction and Friction Coefficients

For the purposes of this blog post, we’ll be covering the relation of friction coefficient classes to guideline values for materials/surfaces and types of lubrication, and for screw connections.

There are variations of friction coefficients because they are dependent on multiple factors. Those factors include the material combinations, the quality of the surface finish or depth of roughness, the surface treatment, and the method of lubrication.

Why is this important? Because the conditions for friction need to be precise and the variations restricted as much as possible. All factors need to be considered for a securely fastened joint.

See the table below for friction coefficients for threads and for bearing surfaces. All of the data collected here is valid at room temperature.

Friction coefficients for threads

Need to know more about friction and friction coefficients? We’d love to chat in further detail! Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to start the conversation.


December 11, 2015
Read More

Difference Between Hardness and Strength In Steel

Precision Torque Wrench

Difference Between Hardness and Strength in Steel

One of the most common points of confusion among our clients has been the difference between hardness and strength in steel. You wouldn’t believe the number of product designers who often fail to differentiate between hardness and strength. The two are confused more often than not.

So what is the actual difference between the two?

Strength is defined as the ability to withstand an applied load without failure. Hardness, on the other hand, is defined as the ability to resist deformation. But even though the two are different, they are also directly related. Increase one and the other follows suit.

Simple enough, right? You’d think so, but the amount of people who mix them up would suggest otherwise. It is important you be able to understand the respective definitions of each term, as it could be important in the development of your own products.

Interested in talking more about hardness, strength and other important terms? We’d love to chat with you! Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to get the conversation started.

For more shopping options click here.


December 04, 2015
Read More