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Author Archives: Fast-Rite International

  1. Platings and Coatings

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    What is the main purpose for plating and coating hardware?

    Hardware is usually coated or plated for corrosion resistance. Corrosion can seriously affect the performance of hardware and so it may need these secondary processes to extend its lifetime. The main difference between the two is that coatings utilize a specific solution and do not change the chemical genetic makeup of the parts.

    Types of Platings

    The two main types of platings are electro and mechanical. The default, and more economical option of the two, is electroplating. This process occurs when a metal substrate is coated with a sacrificial layer by “electrolytic disposition”. The direct electric current creates a chemical reaction to provide a uniform covering of the metal when the hardware is placed in the electrolyte solution. Electroplating usually has a more appealing finish compared to mechanical plating methods.

    Mechanical plating does not require extreme temperatures or electrical charges, instead it relies on a form of cold-welding force and chemical reaction to coat the surface of the part. This means parts do not need to be stripped prior to plating. High grade steel and alloy steel items are suitable candidates for this type of plating. The biggest advantage for mechanical plating is that it “does not produce hydrogen embrittlement and does not require a post-bake cycle.” Hydrogen embrittlement must be prevented because embrittlement can cause reduced ductility and a lessening of load-bearing capacity. This can lead to cracking and brittle failures, when subjected to loads below the anticipated proof or yield strength of the susceptible materials, i.e. strength is significantly decreased.

    Source for Mechanical Plating Capabilities

     

    Types of Coatings 

    An advantage of coating as opposed to plating is that this process does not change the chemical composition of the parts. Types of coatings include acrylic, alkyd, epoxy, and zinc-rich. If you have taken an art class in the past, it is likely that you have come across acrylic paint. Acrylic coating can provide a glossy finish. This type of coating is also quick-drying and requires less ingredients which makes the process more convenient. Alkyd coatings are sometimes a good choice for parts that industrial OEMs need. These coatings can be custom formulated to withstand turbulent environments like underwater or underground. In order for this coating to be more effective, heat maybe used to “speed the chemical curing reaction”. This type of coating also takes a longer drying period than some of the other types. Epoxy coatings are usually a mixture of a curing agent with an epoxy polymer. This type of coating is applied in multiple parts where a primer is selected as the base layer and then the epoxy is applied over that based layer. After that, a polyurethane topcoat can be added for aesthetic appeals and enhanced durability. Advantages to epoxy coating include abrasion resistance and strong adhesion to many surfaces. These coatings can also withstand extremely high temperatures, up to hundreds of degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than most coatings. Like the name suggests, zinc-rich coatings use zinc dusts as corrosion resistant materials to cover the parts. High performance organic zinc is mostly made with “epoxy or polyurethane resin binders”. Advantages of zinc coatings include a “galvanic (electrical current) and a polymeric barrier” and using it with steel can provide a dual layer corrosion protection for the part being coated. Fast-Rite offers the industry leading coatings from Magni, Doerken, and Geomet. 

    Talk to a Fast-Rite Expert about your plating and coating requirements!

    Resources:

    https://magnicoatings.com/products/browse-by-oem/

    https://www.doerken-mks.de/en/markets/specifications/

    http://www.nofmetalcoatings.com/korea/en/markets-specifications/search.xhtm 

     

    Dip Spin Automotive Specifications
    Brand: Arvin Meritor
    Specifications Color
    AM P104 Silver
    AM P91 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: Audi/ VW
    Specifications Color
    TL 196  
    TL 217  
    TL 233 Black/ Silver
    TL 242 Silver/ Grey
    TL 245  
    Ofl-t610 Silver/ Grey
    Ofl-t611 Silver/ Grey
       Ofl-t647 Silver/ Grey
    TL 265  
    Zn Black
    Zn/Ni Black
       
    **CONTAINS TRIVALENTCHROME IN PROCESS
       
    Brand: BMW
    Specifications Color
    GS 90010  
       ZNFE SW** Black
       ZNNID SW** Black
    ZNS 2 Silver
       ZNS 3 Silver
    N 600 00.0 40ZNS/50ZNS Black/ Silver
       
    Brand: Chrysler/ FCA
    Specifications Color
    PS 7626 Silver
    PS 5873 Silver
    PS 10378 Black/ Silver
    PS 10633 Silver
    PS 11036 Silver
    PS 50056 Silver
       
    Brand: Continental Teves
    Specifications Color
    ATE N 106 61 Black/ Silver
    ATE N 106 36.61 Silver
       
    Brand: Delphi
    Specifications Color
    DX551803 Black
    DX551804 Silver
    DX551801 Silver
    DX551544 Silver
       
    Brand: Denso
    Specifications Color
    DDS6700-008 Silver/ Grey
       
    **CONTAINS TRIVALENTCHROME IN PROCESS
       
    Brand: Diamler Benz
    Specifications Color
    DBL 8440 Black/ Silver
    DBL 8451(ON ZINC PLATE)** Clear
    DBL 9440.50/.40 Black/ Silver
    DBL 9441.50/.40 Black/ Silver
       
    Brand: Fiat
    Specifications Color
    9.57512 Silver
    9.57513 Silver
    9.57405 (ON ZINC PLATE) Black
       
    Brand: Fisher
    Specifications Color
    FFS6B1-NCF1 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: Ford Motor Co.
    Specifications Color
    WSD-M21P10-B2 (S-303) Black
    WSD-M21P11-B1 (S-301) Silver
    WSD-M21P11-B2 (S-307) Black
    WSS-M21P37-A1 (S-439) Silver
    WSS-M21P42-A2 Black
    WSS-M21P42-A3 (S-442) Silver
    WSS-M21P46 (S-443) Black
    WSD-M21P19 Black/ Silver
       
    Brand: General Motors
    Specifications Color
    GM 7111M Black/ Silver
    GM 7114M Silver
    GM 6174M Black w/Oil
    GMW 3359 Black/ Silver
    GMW 14100 Silver
    GME 00255 (B, C, E, F) Silver/ Grey
    GME 00252 Clear Over Zinc
    GMW 4435 Code B Black/ Silver
    GMW 3179 Code B Black/ Silver
       
    Brand: Honda
    Specifications Color
    HES D2008-1 Silver
    HES D2008-2 (A, B, C, D) Black/ Silver
       
    Brand: Hyundai – Kia
    Specifications Color
    MS 611-14 Silver
       
    Brand: Jaguar
    Specifications Color
    JMS 10.22.05 (CLASS A/B) Silver
       
    Brand: Land Rover
    Specifications Color
    LRES.21.ZS.05 Silver
       
    Brand: Nissan
    Specifications Color
    NES N4601 Silver
    NES M4601 Silver
       
    Brand: PSA
    Specifications Color
    B15 3320 Silver
       
    Brand: Porche
    Specifications Color
    PTL 7529 Silver
    PB 11011 Silver
       
    Brand: Tesla
    Specifications Color
    TM-0010F-M Silver
       
    Brand: Toyota
    Specifications Color
    TSH 7702G Black
       
    Brand: TRW
    Specifications Color
    TS 2-25-60 CLASS A Silver/ Grey
    TS 2-21-79 Grey
       
    Brand: Volvo
    Specifications Color
    VCS5737.19/.29 Silver/ Grey
    STD5752.53 Silver/ Grey

     

    Dip Spin Corporate Standards
    Brand: Acciona
    Specifications Color
    CS0129 Silver
       
    Brand: AGCO
    Specifications Color
    705100300 Silver
       
    Brand: ASTM
    Specifications Color
    F1137 GRADE 2 Black
    F2833 GRADE 1, 2, 3 Black/ Silver
       
    Brand: BAE Systems
    Specifications Color
    3000009 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: Bombardier
    Specifications Color
    TSH 7702G Silver
       
    Brand: Bosch
    Specifications Color
    Y265F21056/1 Black/ Silver
    N67F827 44 Silver
       
    Brand: Brose
    Specifications Color
    59025-XXX Silver
       
    Brand: Case New Holland
    Specifications Color
    MAT0320 Silver
       
    Brand: Caterpillar
    Specifications Color
    1E1675G Silver/ Grey
    1E1267 Black
       
    Brand: Cummins
    Specifications Color
    74045 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: GE
    Specifications Color
    F69A4 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: Genie Terex
    Specifications Color
    GES 1326 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: ISO/EN
    Specifications Color
    10683 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: John Deere
    Specifications Color
    JDMF13 (A-C,D-F, G, H & J) Silver
       
    Brand: Mercury Marine
    Specifications Color
    8M0057329 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: MTD
    Specifications Color
    00087 Black
       
    Brand: Navistar
    Specifications Color
    TMS-4518 Silver
       
    Brand: Oshkosh Corp.
    Specifications Color
    D60 Silver
       
    Brand: Schneider Electric
    Specifications Color
    ABD00048-50 Silver
       
    Brand: Tacom/ US Army
    Specifications Color
    12469117 Silver/ Grey
       
    Brand: Trane
    Specifications Color
    S 3201063A1 Silver/ Grey

     

  2. Top Four Fastener Trends Observed in 2021

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    1. New Materials

    “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it…” But that isn’t Fast-Rite’s way. We say, “if it can be better, then why not?”. Fasteners were traditionally made from metal and plastic but there are other materials that can be more suitable with enhanced solidity. Materials such as ceramics, carbon fiber and special alloy can both be more durable and lighter in weight. We can even produce fasteners that can endure more extreme heat and pressure. For industries that require ultra-lightweight options, titanium fasteners may be the answer. For example, Titanium grade 5 has a strength-to-weight ratio of 29.1. Compared to a 9.2 of cold-rolled steel, there are some major differences there.

    Ceramic (left), Inconel (top right), and carbon Fiber (bottom right)

    Ask a Fast-Rite expert about our fastener materials

    2. Miniature and Micro Designs

    We have all probably seen fasteners in watches, phones, computers, but they are also used in various medical devices, control panels, and in some lighting fixtures. The production of compactly designed devices drives the demand for tiny fasteners. There is potential there for an array of products and tools. For example, tiny screws need tiny screw insertions. There are automated or semi-automated small screw insertion tools available to make the installation process a lot less challenging.

    Micro fasteners inside a watch (Photo by Felix Mittermeier from Pexels)

    Ask a Fast-Rite expert about our micro fasteners

    3. Even Better Resistance to Corrosion

    Carbon properties are susceptible to corrosion however, it is necessary for certain applications, depending on the durability and strength requirements. A variety of finishes or just a coat of paint can help combat corrosion. Stainless steel is also a good option for fasteners because it is corrosion resistant. At Fast-Rite, we offer corrosion resistant fasteners.

    Stainless Steel Fastener

    Stainless steel fasteners

    Ask a Fast-Rite expert about our corrosion resistant fasteners

    4. Tamper Proof

    Is property and public safety important to you? Fasteners are everywhere and a lot of them are installed in visible and accessible places. It is staggeringly surprising how many individuals hijack various components and fasteners out of their intended applications. Security is essential which is why Fast-Rite puts in countless hours to ensure a wide range of high-quality fasteners and components exceeding industry standards. Some common examples are one-way screws and security pin drives. These would make removing fasteners in any application a more challenging task. In this case, that’s a good thing. Just think of the fixtures in a prison.

    Prison fixtures

    Prison fixtures (Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels)

    Ask a Fast-Rite expert about our tamper proof fasteners

     

    Read more about these trends here

    Co-writer: Nick Telander

  3. Container Shortages and Port Congestion Leads to Increasing Freight Costs

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    How did the container shortage come about?

    Only 40% of containers shipped from China to North America were returned to China after China’s Covid-19 recovery and during the shutdowns in the Western hemisphere. This means almost half of those containers are unusable. On one hand, container manufacturers are not producing them fast enough to meet the current demands. On the other hand, containers are not unloading fast enough due to the lack of resources and due to the previous port congestions. Port congestions are the results of the previous port closures during the pandemic. Rail companies such as the Union Pacific have instituted shutdowns due to congestion and will further contribute to delays.

    Containers Stacked

    What does a shortage in containers mean?

    A shortage in containers means a shortage in inventories. Big retailers are driving demands even higher as they try to get stock ready for the pre-holiday season. Container manufacturers are charging premiums for their containers due to this high demand (Source: dedola.com).

    We manufacture our fasteners, stampings, and castings overseas, so this is a direct impact to our costs. We are already seeing the increase in freight costs across all international supply chains. These container surcharges will begin to emerge in our prices despite our best efforts to absorb them. No one likes to be the bearer of bad news but these are the results of an unfavorable situation. We are hoping for the market to stabilize but this is unlikely to happen before the major Holidays in 2021.

  4. Why Switch to a Vendor Managed Inventory?

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    Vendor Managed Inventory system with Fast-Rite International

    The difference between success and failure in today’s industrial environment is dependent on an efficient inventory system. According to our customer service team, one of the most upsetting things for customers to hear is that their parts are out of stock, especially if it is caused by an unavailable C-class component. This is a frustrating experience for the users and for the organization. 

    But simply stock-piling safety stock to ensure that you will always have each product is inefficient and creates a great deal of unnecessary and excess cost.

    The solution to this problem can be as simple as a VMI. A Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) system from Fast-Rite can consistently and efficiently manage your C-Class inventory.

    Fast-Rite International provides a multitude of solutions and various combinations of Consignment, Bin, JIT, Kanban/E-Kanban inventory management systems to suit the exact needs of each customer.

    Benefits of implementing a VMI system:

    • Drastic reduction of soft costs and offload transaction activities.
    • Reduction of your inventory dollars.
    • Reduction in stock investment when stock turnover is increased.
    • Shorter lead times due to more efficient inventory storage and replenishment.
    • Freeing up your purchasing department to focus on more critical “A” and “B” items.
      • Fast-Rite is capable of planning, ordering, receiving, put-away and stock pulls for you!

    SIMPLIFY YOUR WORK LIFE!

    Let Fast-Rite’s VMI team do the work for you!

    To schedule a site and needs analysis, contact us at sales@fast-rite.com today!

  5. 3 Reasons to Choose Brass Fittings & Ball Valves

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    Fast-Rite has a complete line of Brass Fittings, Ball Valves and other components.

    Selection

    Adapters and Fittings

    Fast-Rite stocks a complete line of Brass Adapters and Fittings. Choose from Brass Hose Barbs; Brass SAE 45°, Compression, Pipe, and Inverted Flare Adapters; Poly-Flow and Poly-Push Fittings; D.O.T. Air Brake Fittings; and Garden Hose Fittings.

    Needle Valves, Drain Cocks, and Ball Valves

    For flow-control, Fast-Rite has a full-range of needle valves, drain cocks, and ball valves for a wide variety of industrial applications.

    Ball valves are available in standard full-port and chrome-plated “mini” designs.

    Full-port designs come in sizes from 1/4″ – 4″ and meet requirements for a full range of liquids, have plated carbon steel handle with blue vinyl insulator, large, full-size ports, NPTF threads, quick 1/4-turn handle, and a low operating torque.

    Mini Ball Valves are chrome-plated and come in sizes from 1/8″ – 1/2″ with pressure ratings to 600 PSI.

    Quality

    Our Brass Fittings are made from CA360 Brass/Schedule 40, which makes them corrosion resistant and perfect for all air/water and lower-pressure hydraulic applications such as refrigeration, pneumatic, hydraulic, automotive, and industrial applications.

    Availability

    Our suppliers have the largest inventories in the industry, with the broadest selection of standard and jump sizes. Trust Fast-Rite to deliver, order after order.
    • Air Brake Fittings
    • Ball Valves
    • Compression Adapters
    • Drain Cocks
    • Garden Hose Fittings
    • Hose Barb Fittings
    • Inverted Flare Adapters
    • Needle Valves
    • Pipe Adapters
    • Poly-Flow Fittings
    • Poly Push Fittings
    • Push-In D.O.T. Fittings
    • Push-On Hose Barb Fittings
    • SAE 45° Adapters

     

    Contact Us

    We specialize in giving OEMs the best industrial components in today’s market. From fittings and valves to stampings and fasteners. Schedule a free consultation today to find out why we are The OEM Optimizer™.

  6. Shedding Some Light on Industrial Productivity

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    If I told you that you could…

    • Increase worker productivity 5 – 15%.
    • Reduce Absenteeism 40%
    • Reduce energy consumption drastically
    • Improve safety
    • Improve moral
    • Have this all pay for itself in as low as a year
    • Present dozens of documented examples of how it’s already been done

    Would I have your interest?

    There’s a tried-and-true simple way to do this, that’s currently in use by Coca-Cola, Lockheed, Office Depot and many other companies throughout the US. And it can work for your company too:

    In my position as Productivity Manager for Fast-Rite, I often survey customer plants all over North America to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, safety issues, and to bring solutions to the table that will resolve these problems and increase customer productivity. And one of the most obvious problems we’ll see is poor lighting, even dangerously poor lighting.

    I remember being in an expansive heavy manufacturing facility, walking around a dimly lit corner when a forklift came barreling around. Now I heard the truck coming, but I’m not sure the driver even saw me. When reviewing our survey with management I asked them how many days since the last injury. They laughed. “Days? Hours, maybe”. It was a dangerous environment.

    And it was a depressing environment to work in. The light level was more attuned to a Massage Envy than an industrial powerhouse. Absenteeism was rampant, turnover was high – despite wages far above the local norm. People just didn’t enjoy working there.

    But for many cases, there’s a simple, powerful, effective, and cost-effective solution. Just walk out the door and look up. We have an incredible source of light only 93,000,000 miles away, and it’s free, not taxed (well, not yet), and now we have ways to reap that light and bring it inside cost effectively.

    Just a few examples:

    Fort Bliss Army Base in El Paso Texas installed Orion Energy System’s Apollo ® Solar Energy tubes in 8 buildings on the base. Rather than pay for power, they’ll save about $63,000 a year, or over $1.2 million over 20 years.

    Now you say, “that’s in Texas, but we’re up north”. Consider the case of Festival Foods new 70,000 square foot store all the way up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Even without the sun-drenched environment their 172 daylighting tubes totally light the facility up to 10 hours a day, and they expect a full payback in 7-8 years. This especially came in handy during a local power outage, when shoppers kept shopping without even noticing the power outage because the store was so brightly lit.
    (Let me mention that I was so enthused about the Orion Solar Energy tubes that I own stock in the company).

    Whether Orion or Solatube or another brand, Daylighting is a natural lighting situation that brightens employee morale even more than it does the environment. It’s much easier to be productive in a bright, natural environment.

    There are hundreds of examples, but let me just give you a few:

    http://www.contractorsupplymagazine.com/pages/News—20100716-Orion-Energy-Systems-wins-product-of-the-year.php

    http://www.solatube.com/sites/default/files/field/files/insert/case-study-industrial-aqua-lung_0.pdf

    http://www.bristolite.com/interfaces/media/Daylighting%20at%20Costco.pdf

  7. Looking for Welding Supplies?

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    Give us a call!
    Fast-Rite introduces its Welding Genius and Genius (TM) supply programs, featuring all major brands of Mig, Tig, Arc & Gas welding consumables, equipment and safety supplies.
    And watch out for our new MRO Genius and Welding Genius web sites coming soon!
    http://www.mrogenius.com

  9. Having Trouble Finding Hydraulic Fittings?

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    Fast-Rite has a full line of JIC, SAE and BSP Hydraulic Fittings – domestic or import

    Supplies are scarce! Some major manufacturers are facing line shutdowns and supply failure because of material and power shortages overseas, and empty distribution pipelines here in the states. That’s why Fast-Rite International is pleased to announce its full line of JIC, SAE & BSP hydraulic fittings.

    We are an authorized distributor for Tompkins Industries. But we have not one but 8 different supply lines! We can take the work out of sourcing parts for you!

    Most fittings are made offshore now, but do you need Made-In-America parts? Our partner factories can produce American-Made DFARS compliant product for you, shaving many weeks off the procurement cycle.

    Why put all your eggs in one basket only to see your suppliers fail. Give Fast-Rite a call with the part numbers you need. We’ll source all lines and be back quickly with your quotation. In most cases we can supply you with MULTIPLE options based on current supply levels and production capacity.

    Contact your Account Executive, call our Customer Service Team at 630-858-0988, or email us at fittings@fast-rite.com.

  10. Fast-Rite Now Your Source for Cable Tie Express!

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    Fast-Rite is pleased to announce that it is now part of the Cable Tie Express distribution network. A wide variety of wire management items is now available to us from Cable Tie Express, including standard and specialty cable ties, heat shrink tubing, mounting bases, wire connectors and cable clamps. These products certainly enable Fast-Rite to assist customers in meeting their requirements with high quality ISO manufactured products and providing thorough and quick answers to product or application questions they have.

    Fast-Rite stands by the Cable Tie Express tagline – “tying service to quality” – in its offering of these wire management products to our customers. Visit www.fast-rite.com or feel free to contact us for more information.