SPRING 2022

74 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

74 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK Anthony Di Maio Anthony E. Di Maio attended Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University. In 1962 he started working with Blind Fasteners as Vice-President of Engineering & Manufacturing for two blind rivet manufacturers. He has been Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) and is still involved in the writing of IFI specifications. In 1991, he started ADM Engineering and is working with Fastener Manufacturers developing new fasteners and special machinery. He can be reached at ADM Engineering, 6 Hermon Ave., Haverhill, MA 01832; phone and fax 978-521-0277; e-mail: tdimaio@verizon.net. WHAT JUSTIFIES THE USE OF BLIND RIVETS? Although blind rivets have been in use for numerous years throughout the entire industry questions still arise from time to time, as to why they are used and the advantages of using them. I intend to answer these questions and to prove that when correctly engineered and installed, blind riveting is the most cost effective, easiest mothed of jointing general application in the market today. Proven Product Design Because blind rivets are installed from one side only (hence blind) the need for access to both sides of the work is not needed, so product design does not have to have available both sides of the fastened joint. Improved Design Strength The use of only a single drilled or punched hole filled effectively by the expandable high strength blind rivets, offers a great increase in part design strength over screws, bolts Quicker Assembly Blind riveting is faster than any other jointing method. A hand held blind rivet setting tool can set a blind rivet in a work application within one stroke of the power tool. For extreme high volume blind rivet setting requirements there are automatic blind rivet feeding and setting systems that can set 50 blind rivets per minute. Tooling Because blind riveting is a simple process, blind rivet setting tools can be designed to fit the application, rather than making the design fit the tooling as it is done today. Special nosepieces fit into narrow spaces, deep holes and even right angle applications can be tooled for. Lower Installation Costs Adding up the lower tool costs, maintenance costs and labor savings because of quicker assembly, blind rivets are shown to be cheaper “in place” costs than screws, bolts, nuts etc. Lower Part Cost Bind rivet costs are lower over other combinations of fasteners. Lower Inventory Cost Because blind rivets have a wide grip range and are single item attachments, inventory cost savings are significant. Vary lengths grip ranges on washers or nonwasher screws assembles etc. all add up to large parts inventories. High volume of fewer parts on the other hand, add up to dollars saved in not only piece price but in warehouse and also labor and costs from purchasing to the assembly line. Effective Fastening Of Dissimilar Materials The controlled expansion of blind rivets provides uniform compression which in turn allows many types of dissimilar material to be joined effectively. Metals to plastic, plastic to plastic, glass to metal, paper to metal are just a few of the possibilities. Various design features on blind rivets allow for maximum load spreading for joining even the softest materials. CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 144

INTERNATIONAL FASTENERS, INC. PUTTING MEMBERS FIRST THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 75 Tampa . Charlotte . Chicago . Dallas . Los Angeles . Philadelphia TEL 1-888-241-0203 FAX 1-888-241-2096 EMAIL sales@daggerz.com WEB www.daggerz.com Did you know that the market size for group purchasing organizations has grown faster than the overall economy? This speaks to the fact that companies are realizing the benefits of membership and working with suppliers that are associated with them. The fastener industry is no exception. Membership in the buying groups and co-ops available to fastener distributors give even small businesses a strong opportunity to remain competitive against larger dealers and big box retail options. Mostly known as a way to get best prices, it is now also a way to get more product needed. International Fasteners, Inc. has been a proud supplier with several buying groups and cooperatives for many years. In times like the present, it is important to rely on these groups and cooperatives and the relationships that have been fostered through them. This holds true for both preferred suppliers and members. BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE Particularly in these trying times when inventory allocation is crucial, companies like International Fasteners, Inc. place great importance on serving the members of these groups. At International Fasteners, Inc., it is the members of these buying groups and cooperatives that are taken care of first and foremost whenever possible. They do their best to try and provide members with what they need, when they need it, even if they might be newer to the company’s distributorship. It is because of these connections and relationships that companies are able to survive and even grow through these unforeseen circumstances. Not knowing how long it will be until the economy returns to a stable condition increases the need for and the importance of finding these types of reliances. If you are interested in partnering and growing with a company that will put you first, make International Fasteners, Inc. your choice today! INTERNATIONAL FASTENERS, INC.