FALL 2024

60 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

60 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE 6363 Oak Tree Boulevard, Independence, OH 44131 TEL 216-241-1482 FAX 216-241-5901 EMAIL info@indfast.org WEB www.indfast.org IFI BOOK OF FASTENER STANDARDS: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. SALIM BRAHIMI by Dan Walker, Managing Director Dr. Salim Brahimi, the Director of Engineering and Technology at the Industrial Fasteners Institute, sat down with us to discuss the newly released 12th Edition of the IFI Book of Fastener Standards. With over 35 years of experience in the fastener industry, Dr. Brahimi offers invaluable insights into the importance and evolution of this resource. Background And Experience Dr. Brahimi, a seasoned Metallurgical Engineer, has been a driving force in the fastener industry for decades. His extensive involvement in standard development committees, including leadership roles in ASTM, ASME, and SAE, underscores his commitment to advancing the field. What Is The IFI Book Of Fastener Standards? The IFI Book of Fastener Standards is a “must-have” resource made up of commonly used standards for inch fasteners and non-ISO metric fasteners. It serves as a vital reference for designers, engineers, maintenance personnel, and anyone involved in mechanical fastening. Why Is It Important? ¤ Universal Use: “Given that mechanical fasteners are used in every industrial sector, it follows that the IFI Book of Fastener Standards is referenced throughout the world as the technical blueprint for the entire supply chain” -Dr. Brahimi ¤ Consistency and Standardization: The book provides a framework for fastener selection and usage, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of errors. ¤ Cost Savings: By consolidating numerous standards into a single resource, the book offers significant cost savings compared to purchasing individual standards. ¤ Time Efficiency: The book eliminates the need to source and organize standards, saving valuable time for engineering and quality personnel. The Evolution Of The Book The IFI Book of Fastener Standards has evolved to reflect the changing landscape of the fastener industry. With each new edition, the book incorporates updated standards, reflecting advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. The 12th Edition, released in August, features 97 standards, including 30 updates and a new standard, IFI 171, specifically for thread dimensions in the steel construction industry. TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 122

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 61 Field, a leading provider of fastening solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Cascade Nut and Bolt, a fastener distributor located in Salem, Oregon. This strategic acquisition will enhance its ability to serve a broader range of industries and expand their geographical footprint to service current and prospective customers. Field has grown on average 18% per year since 1990 and attribute that growth to its unique culture and helping customers save money through their world class VMI programs and engineering support. The culture is people focused and places a high value on team members, customers, and suppliers. Cascade specializes in supporting the structural market and industrial OEMs in the Pacific Northwest. Both companies become stronger by joining forces and better equipped to continue to support customers and drive growth. “We are excited to welcome the Cascade team to the Field family. We’ve been very impressed by the quality of the team at Cascade and the alignment around culture. We are focused on taking care of our customers and team members”, says Adam Derry, President of Field. “It was clear very early on in the acquisition process that our two companies had virtually all the same values. As a result, I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to expand Cascade’s structural steel expertise utilizing the extensive distribution footprint of Field and professional sales experts across the country”, says Tom Boline, President of Cascade Nut and Bolt. Tom will stay on and serve as their sales leader to grow structural throughout Field’s footprint and the Northwest industrial market. Cascade Nut & Bolt (CNB), headquartered in Salem, OR, was established in 1997 with a staff of highly motivated and qualified people who are experienced in the fastener distribution industry. CNB provides a full time professional staff which includes outside sales representatives to service the surrounding areas. Their fleet of trucks and full time delivery drivers respond to customer needs on a daily basis producing fast daily service along the interstate network establishing an excellent record for on time delivery. Quick overnight shipments are available as well. You can find both standard and metric fasteners at CNB, including all grades and materials and no job is to small for their custom fabrication shop. CNB has on site inventory management, competitive pricing, and dedicated staff to serve your building and business needs. Derry Enterprises, Inc. acquired Field, a global distributor of fasteners and other small components to the OEM market, in 1990. They are the best in the industry at providing ongoing cost reduction through both technical support services and inventory management systems. Over the past 34 years, Field has averaged 18% annual growth each year and for the ninth time in the last twelve years have been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in America. To learn more about Derry Enterprises and Field, please call 815-637-9002 or visit them online at www.fieldfastener.com.