Charlie Kerr envisions more “lights out” manufacturing in the fastener industry.

As a panelist in a 2020 International Fastener Expo virtual session on fastener manufacturing, Kerr of Kerr Lakeside recalled when fastener factories began using computers in the 1970s.  Remember early cell phones just a few years ago and how fast they developed? he asked.

Responding to a question about robots in fastener manufacturing, Kerr noted that while a small robot may cost $12,000 today, robots can work 24/7, don’t show up late for work and don’t call in sick.

The first place for robots in fastener manufacturing is in the packaging department, Kerr said.  By 2030 robots will be “pervasive,” Kerr declared.

Matt Boyd of Parker Fasteners envisions much more use of QR codes with end users having all the information “at their fingertips.” Kelly said prototype sampling has begun with 3D printing and there will be more.

Reflecting on the year of the Covid-19 pandemic Boyd said aerospace fastener sales may have declined but health and semiconductor business is up. Military is steady, Boyd added.

Among the products Kerr Lakeside has traditionally manufactured are fasteners for musical instruments such as trombones and trumpets. Given the pandemic, that business has dropped to “zero,” Kerr said.

Larry Kelly of Buckeye Fasteners said business took a hit for April, May and June but certain sectors such as food and beverage and medical did well.  Buckeye received urgent orders for ventilator fasteners, Kelly noted.