Author Archives Bossard

The Hidden Potentials of Fastening

Das verborgene Potenzial der Verbindungstechnik

The Hidden Potentials of Fastening

Bossard is dedicated to helping our customers streamline their processes and become more efficient. Sourcing, design, engineering, logistics, handling, ordering, quality, stocking and assembling are all important elements to analyze in the interest of boosting your productivity. Want to reduce your production time and go lean? Watch the video below to find out how.

The first step down the path toward Proven Productivity was watching that video. The next step? Contacting Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. You won’t know your full potential until you’ve met with our experts. We’ve been engineering success since 1831 — let’s get started on yours in 2015.


September 04, 2015
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The Challenge of Self-Loosening

Self-Loosening challenges

The Challenge of Self-Loosening

Bossard has built its reputation on having mastered the science of fastening, and that includes developing innovative solutions for some of the most common challenges in the industry.

Self-loosening is chief among the challenges that the fastening industry has had to deal with. The mere mention of self-loosening is enough to draw the attention of product designers, production specialists, industrial engineers and maintenance and safety officers. The reason? It comes down to safety, and everyone is eager to listen where there are new solutions being presented.

Threaded fasteners can be found in transportation systems, recreational and sports equipment, testing and measuring equipment, digital gadgets and even children’s toys. The popularity of threaded fasteners is based largely on their numerous benefits, but we can’t forget about their weaknesses either.

And self-loosening is one of the most glaring risks with threaded fasteners.

Why do threaded fasteners self-loosen? In the simplest of terms, vibrations are what cause fasteners to loosen, in most cases. Vibrations lead to fatigue failure, as the clamp force on the joint is reduced and the fastener is then subjected to bending loads.

At the moment, there is no universal solution for countering the loosening of fasteners. But designers and engineers have emphasized the need to ensure there is sufficient clamp force on the joint interface, in addition to also producing a design that can withstand the effects of embedding and stress relaxation.

For a more in-depth discussion regarding self-loosening and other challenges associated with fastening, do not hesitate to contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. You can also register with our company website to download a whitepaper with more information about self-loosening joints.


August 28, 2015
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bigHead® with Lightweight Applications

bighead with lightweight applications

Secure, simple and versatile – bigHead® fasteners are everything you could want in a fastener. For lightweight applications, accept no substitute for what bigHead® has to offer.

In addition to being discrete and secure, bigHead® fasteners are an efficient option for your lightweight application. The list of possible applications includes cabin panels, interior trim, external cladding, bumpers, bump stops, front end modules, molded panels, light clusters and more.

bigHead® fasteners can be embedded or even surfaced mounted with a structural adhesive, allowing them to be more versatile. These fasteners, when used in lightweight applications, are dependable and also allow you to make more efficient use of your time.

Aston Martin, Bentley, McLaren, Ford and Fiat are among the automotive companies that utilize bigHead® fasteners in their vehicles. On top of that, this particular brand of fasteners is also popular with several kit car manufacturers and enthusiasts.

bigHead® is also a BMW approved supplier for Rolls Royce Motors.

Just based on what we’ve shared with you, it is clear that the possibilities are almost limitless when it comes to bigHead® fasteners and lightweight applications, particularly in the automotive industry.

As mentioned in a previous blog post, Bossard will be attending the 2015 Detroit Global Automotive Lightweight Materials (GALM) Show from August 18-20, so that will present an opportunity to both share and grow our knowledge of how bigHead® fits with lightweight automotive applications.

For a more in-depth discussion on how bigHead® fasteners can be used with lightweight applications, contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


August 21, 2015
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How Vendor Managed Inventory Works

vendor Inventory Management

Bossard is a leader in innovation because our goal is to streamline processes and increase efficiency. This is no more apparent than in Bossard Inventory Management (also known as BIM).

So what is it? It involves a network of qualified suppliers – at your approval, of course – to provide dependable care of full procurement of all b- and c-parts for Bossard and third parties. The central idea is to reduce costs, lower inventory and, most importantly, achieve sustainable relief across all departments through more efficient management.

How does it work? Bossard offers several different Kanban systems that collect data through an automated process and send it to the suppliers in the c-parts management system when an order point is reached. The suppliers then prepare the requested amounts and label them according to the location of the customer’s warehouse. Bossard then completes the process by bringing the flow of goods together and producing a consolidated invoice.

Flexibility and modularity are two of the most important elements of this system, but there are also multiple benefits to both you and your supplier with Bossard Inventory Management.

This allows for greater control of the choice, procurement and quality of c-part from your suppliers. You can also keep in contact with your suppliers and avoid having to deal with c-parts.

Bossard Inventory Management also compiles the technical responsibilities of your supplier and works to counteract the possibility of delivery bottlenecks by guaranteeing a minimum inventory.

To learn more about Bossard Inventory Management and how it works or to discuss our full range of customer logistics systems, do not hesitate to contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. We’d love to chat further!


August 14, 2015
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Advantages of Using Bossard SmartBin

Bossard SmartBin

First introduced back in 1998, Bossard SmartBin was created to help our customers streamline their processes and become more efficient in procurement.

So what is SmartBin?

It boils down to a combination of bins and specially developed weight sensors. By checking current stock levels on a regular basis and automatically ordering a predefined quantity once a minimum level has been reached, SmartBin essentially manages itself.

You can even determine if the parts are to be sent to your warehouse or the direct point of use.

There are also different versions of SmartBin, depending on what your needs are. SmartBin Flex, SmartBin Mobile and SmartBin Classic are what you have to choose from.

SmartBin Flex is automated, requires no power connection and can be placed wherever needed. Relying on signals that are transmitted wirelessly, SmartBin Flex eliminates wait times and reduces goods movement, allowing the material to be sent directly to the point of use.

SmartBin Mobile is the perfect solution for when your processes involve the integration of large objects or changing work environments. Mobile trolleys are outfitted with SmartBin Mobile, relying on wireless communication and requiring a battery for power.

SmartBin Classic is best suited for centralized and decentralized Kanban pools. This is the ideal application because SmartBin Classic is capable of managing small parts of just a few grams per bin to high volumes and large parts of up to 1,000 kilograms per pallet.

For a more comprehensive guide to Bossard SmartBin, be sure to check out our video.

Interested in learning more about Bossard SmartBin and how it can make your processes more efficient? Don’t hesitate to contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


August 07, 2015
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Cost Saving Potential with Bossard

The mission of Bossard is to provide our customers with the lowest total in place cost of fasteners. This can be achieved by using effective design, efficient delivery systems, and multi-functional fasteners. An example of how a multi-functional fastener can affect the total cost of the assembly is illustrated in the chart below. A thread forming screw for metal purchase cost is $3.14 per 100 screws higher than the standard machine. As each step required to complete the assembly is reviewed, the final cost of the assembly is reduced by $29.50. Bossard’s staff of engineers and product experts can help review current assemblies or focus on new product design to help eliminate future costs.

Blog-Graph

To learn more about “Total Cost of Ownership” as well as streamline your processes to help reduce costs, contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. We are here to help!


July 31, 2015
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Bossard to Attend 2015 Detroit GALM Show

2015 Detroit GALM Show

Bossard will be attending the 2015 Detroit Global Automotive Lightweight Materials (GALM) Show. The show will take place at the Diamond Center in Novi, Michigan from August 18-20.

This congress, which has been attended by more than 1,500 industry leaders from across the globe, is entering its eleventh year, with a focus on advanced joining, forming and design of composites and lightweight metals to help drive down costs of multi-material vehicle architectures.

This year will feature a detailed technical focus on composites and multi-material joining.

Speakers from Ford, General Motors, Tesla, Chrysler and others have been lined up to share their personal and professional insights to strategy, design, manufacturing and vehicle safety professionals.

Taking place across three days, the 2015 GALM Show also allows original equipment manufacturers (or OEMs) the opportunity to network with other manufacturers from around the world.

Day 1 will focus on composites and carbon-fiber, including how to drive down costs and time of producing parts. Day 2 will address the latest multi-material joining techniques and also how to mitigate corrosion of lightweight materials. The show wraps up on Day 3 with how to better optimize material selection procedures and forming and design methods across the entire vehicle.

For a detailed breakdown of each day, check out the official website.

Are you also planning to attend? Contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to discuss the possibility of meeting up at the show! We’d love to sit down and talk.


July 24, 2015
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Bossard Hosts Annual Engineering Summit

Bossard Hosts Annual Engineering Summit

Bossard’s annual Engineering Summit took place on Thursday, June 11th, 2015 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Engineers from a variety of companies across the United States were invited to attend seminars and workshops focused on the latest trends and innovations in fastening technology.

The goal of this annual summit is to allow our employees to mingle with their peers and discuss how we can work together to achieve effective and efficient solutions for their assembly and fastening needs.

The seminars addressed a wide range of different topics related to fastening technology, allowing attendees to become better acquainted with our latest cutting-edge technological advances:
– Hydrogen Embrittlement and Coating
– Bolted Joints: What Torque Should I Use?
– Engineering the Total Cost
– Washers: How to Achieve the Best Result by Using the Right Washer
– Problem Solving – The “Fasten-ating” Assembly Game!
– Thread Forming Screws for Metal and Plastic

Attendees were also invited to participate in workshops. These workshops presented attendees with the opportunity to see our innovative product solutions in real applications. The topics included:
– The Evolution of Fastening: How bigHead® Solves Unique Challenges in Lightweight Material Joints
– BCT®* Blind Rivet Nuts: A Flexible Solution for Solid Fastening
– Penn Engineering Products (PEM)

More than 20 attendees gathered in Cedar Falls to take part in this Engineering Summit.

If you weren’t able to attend, feel free to contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to discuss any of the topics addressed in our seminars or workshops. We welcome the chance to discuss how our innovative fastening solutions can help improve your products and processes!

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

July 17, 2015
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ecosyn®-fix and the Electronics Industry

ecosyn®-fix and the Electronics Industry

At Bossard, simpler is often better. Our goal is to streamline your processes and offer more efficient products, and the ecosyn®-fix screw is a perfect example.

This particular fastener was originally designed specifically for joints in electrical equipment, in addition to small and major appliances. For the purposes of this blog post, let’s focus on how the ecosyn®-fix screw can be beneficial to the electronics industry.

What is the biggest benefit of the ecosyn®-fix washer head screw? Just a single part has to be bought, stocked, transported, and assembled. This is a screw, a flat washer, and a lock washer all in one. This one screw can streamline your process and provide a more economical solution.

Your standard machine screw with large washers has nothing on the ecosyn®-fix.

Did we also mention the large conical washer surface? This area possesses a certain spring effect against loss of pre-load. With an increase in friction, there is a greater vibration resistance. This is perfect for long-hole assemblies or for the assembly of soft and plastic parts.

So why not use an innovative fastener you can depend on? The difference could be substantial. The ecosyn®-fix represents an economical solution with cost saving opportunities and practical advantages.

To talk more about how the ecosyn®-fix screw could have a significant impact when applied to the electronics industry, contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


July 10, 2015
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Benefits of Precision Torque Wrench Tightening

Precision Torque Wrench

Bossard recommends controlling tightening with a precision torque wrench for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it represents a secure and economical solution. This state-of-the-art method for tightening screws and nuts can reduce the number of fasteners used, especially in comparison to tightening without torque control.

M14x25 screws are the obvious choice for uncontrolled tightening for several reasons. You need to achieve a specified minimum preload in the joint, while also avoiding a torsional fracture. But what if the same can be accomplished with an M8x25 screw under torque control?

You can achieve the same minimum preload needed in the joint with an M8x25 screw, as long as the operation is conducted under torque control. By using this control to avoid the risk of a torsional fracture, the screw diameter can, in turn, be reduced to M8.

If a screw is tightened too much, it can break. If not tightened enough it can become loose or fail as a result of material fatigue. Precision torque tools and practices will protect the assembly from failure.

Suddenly, tightening with a precision torque wrench becomes the more effective and efficient solution.

There is also a substantial difference in the purchasing price of these fasteners. But don’t forget about the total cost savings of using controlled tightening. Because the entire product can now be made smaller and with a reduced weight, the overall cost savings will be significant.

So the question is: Why haven’t you started using precision torque wrench tightening yet?

If you would like to speak with one of our knowledgeable engineers for further guidance on how to implement something similar to this, contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.


July 03, 2015
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