3/28/2011 3:00:00 AM
HEADLINES
Greenslade at Pac-West: Why & How to Buy Domestic Fasteners
Technical Support
Greenslade invited distributors to click on the IFI Technology Connection at indfast.org for technical information on manufacturing, inspection and use of mechanical fasteners.
The Technology Connection provides a database to look-up standards such as thread size, hardness and torque.
When Technology Connection subscribers cannot find answers online they can email questions to the IFI staff for answers within 24 hours.
Greenslade noted the Technology Connection can provide “tactful answers in disputes with customers.”
There are “user only” subscriptions plus a “user / customer” program providing a secure area on the company website for customers. Web: indfast.org/technology/ ©2011 GlobalFastenerNews.com
Consider the total cost of ownership in choosing domestic vs. imported fasteners, the director of engineering technology for the Industrial Fasteners Institute told the Pacific-West Fastener Association.
Joe Greenslade encouraged distributors to calculate more than just the money paid for a fastener.
“Beyond the price of the part, add the transportation cost, verification of quality and inventory costs, to determine total cost of ownership,” Greenslade said.
When you are communicating with a supplier, is what you are saying being understood?” Greenslade asked of non-domestic suppliers.
He encouraged distributors to visit major suppliers to be familiar with issues such as inprocess controls. With more OEMs requiring zero defect parts, the audit/verification process of suppliers if increasingly important, he pointed out.
Domestic suppliers are known for offering design and application assistance, Greenslade added.
It is easier for domestic suppliers to “work with you on an inventory release basis,” Greenslade said.
geneva;”>He cited several other reasons to consider buying U.S.-manufactured fasteners.
Domestic parts can be expected in one to 45 days, are available in small to medium quantities and are necessary for Buy American contract s.
In contrast the time from order to delivery of imported fasteners may be 120 to 180 days.
Domestic manufacturers frequently are the sole source for proprietary fasteners, which Greenslade pointed out “make better margins.”
Over the decades fasteners have been imported from Japan beginning in the 1960s, Taiwan in 1980s and China since 2000. Greenslade said the cycle of production may move to India, Thailand and Vietnam in the coming decade. “Know your source,” Greenslade advised.
You can find domestic suppliers on the IFI website – indfast.org.
From the Home Page click on “Find a Supplier” to search for fasteners by manufacturer, product or trade name.
The suppliers include the 85 manufacturer members of the IFI.
The products listing goes beyond bolts, nuts, screws, washers and rivets. The IFI listing includes related products such as turnbuckles, hooks and bushings.
Trade names start with Anodic E-Coat and run through Zincplus. The list goes beyond familiar names such as Microdot, Nybolt, PEM and Shakeproof. ©2011 GlobalFastenerNews.com
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