Fastener Technology International - December 2007/January 2008 - (Page 73)

Spotlight On Plastic Fasteners by Michael McNulty, Editor, Fastener Technology International, www.fastenertech.com EFC International Headquarters: 1940 Craigshire Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63146 USA Contact: Matt Dudenhoeffer, Product Mgr. Tel: +1 314 434 2888 Web Site: www.efc-intl.com E-Mail: info@efc-intl.com 462 Camden Drive • Bloomingdale, IL 60108 USA Tel: +1 630 539 7000 337 Curie Drive • Alpharetta, GA 30005 Tel: +1 770 663 4070 Market research indicates that the USA market for plastic fasteners was US$1 billion this year, and it will hit US$1.2 billion in 2011. I calculate that this translates into US$4-5 billion for worldwide demand. Above average growth rates in the range of 4% to 5% are expected in most industrialized markets, and higher levels should take place in areas of high GDP growth, China and India, for example. Plastic fasteners have many uses especially in applications where environmental, thermal, optical, weight, chemical and used with metal components for a variety of reasons including enhanced performance, ergonomics and visibility. procedures. In addition, plastics are not magnetic, corrosive or conductive, and they are heat resistant. Plastics research holding strength is not the main requirement. micro plastics, inc. P.O. Box 149 11 Industry Lane Flippin, AR 72634 USA Contact: Bruce Sanders, Sales Mgr. Toll-Free: +1 800 466 1467 Tel: +1 870 453 2261 Fax: +1 870 453 8676 Web Site: www.microplastics.com E-Mail: mpsales@microplastics.com Examples of common plastic fasteners include screws, nuts, spacers, washers, clips, rivets, caps, clamps, plugs and cable ties. A typical product group that incorporates the use of plastics with metal components is clamping knobs. Another area that plastic takes the center stage is that of panel fasteners, such as clips, rivets, push pins and grommets. large and diverse. Some common materials used are ABS, acetal, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, nylon, polybutylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene and more. Each material has it strengths, weaknesses and performance characteristics. Nylon, for example, is a good choice for cable ties as it exhibits tion as well as good abrasion and impact resistance. Nylon, like most plastics can be made to include additives that will Volt Industrial Plastics, Inc. 80 Industry Lane (off Hwy. 178 North) Flippin, AR 72634 USA Contact: Heidi Volltrauer, VP of Marketing & Sales Toll-Free: +1 800 844 8024 Fax: +1 870 453 8707 Toll-Free Fax: +1 877 453 8707 Web Site: www.voltplastics.com E-Mail: heidi@voltplastics.com engineering grade plastics are commonly used. If you would like to learn more about plastic terminology, I suggest that you visit www.plasticsindustry.org/industry/defs.htm for a In addition to exhibiting typical engineering properties, there readily available including richly colored products. My advice is to contact some plastic fastener suppliers to learn more about possibilities in plastic fasteners: materials, colors and performance. December 2007 Fastener Focus 73 http://www.efc-intl.com http://www.fastenertech.com http://www.efc-intl.com http://www.microplastics.com http://www.microplastics.com http://www.voltplastics.com http://www.plasticsindustry.org/industry/defs.htm http://www.voltplastics.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Fastener Technology International - December 2007/January 2008

Fastener Technology International - December 2007/January 2008 Contents Editorial Calendar Industry News 5S – Turbocharged Lean House Cleaning: Principles and Practices for Creating an Efficient Workspace Corporate News Mechanical Properties – Part 7: Strength & Ductility in Bending FTI Technical Achievement Awards — Class of 2007 The Heat Treatment of Fasteners — Practice Melt Shop Provides More Efficient Titanium Wire & Rod Production Spotlight On Simulation Comparing Preparation and Calibration Techniques for Ultrasonic Bolt Tension Measurement – Part 2 Future-Oriented Testing Equipment Wire Handling Roundup What’s Happening at the IFI? Product Showcases Machinery Product Showcases Quality Education & Training in 2008 Fastener Focus Quality Checks on Retaining Rings: Your Recipe for Success Straight From The Show: NIFS/WEST Spotlight on Plastic Fasteners Competence in Stainless Steel Pick More Orders in Less Time With Slotting New Fastener, Drive Systems & Insert Join a Proven Product Line ASTM Update on Fastener Test Methods – The Bolt Doctor Column Advertisers’ Index Classified Advertisements Editorial Index

Fastener Technology International - December 2007/January 2008

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