While many industries are facing uncertainty due to current economic conditions, Howmet Fastening Systems has continued delivering solid performance and sustainable growth. Thanks to its bright outlook, it’s making the single biggest machinery investment in its 37-year history with the installation of a SACMA 670AL header.
Impressively, the 670AL cold forging machine will be the first of its kind to be installed in the United Kingdom.
After recognising the growing interest Europe for large diameter lockbolt technology as a compelling alternative to welding and bolting, the investment will unlock unprecedented capability and capacity, enabling the HFS Telford factory to supply key markets where large diameter fasteners are required. The new machine will enable the Telford factory to bring not only a wider range of large diameter lockbolts to market, but also more rapidly and responsively than ever before.
Manufactured in Italy by Milan based Sacma, the 670AL is a high-speed 33mm 6-station header with the capability of making parts at up to 80 pieces per minute in lockbolt diameters between 12mm (approx. ½”) and 30mm (approx. 1 ¼”). The machine will be used to produce the company’s Huck® lockbolt pins and collars, a range of two-piece vibration-proof fasteners typically used in safety critical applications in a variety of industries.
Jonathan Craven, Director of HFS Telford Operations explains: “Our goal is to support companies in solving their fastening problems and saving them money, especially in the current economic conditions, and have seen growing interest in our Huck lockbolt technology as an alternative to welding, studs, and nuts & bolts. Our DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik) approved range of grade 10.9 lockbolts offer maintenance free vibration resistant joints for the full service life of the joint. Other benefits that lockbolts bring to the table include exceptionally fast and easy installations and an installed dynamic performance offering up to 5x greater fatigue life than conventional HV bolts.”
