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FASTENER HISTORY
2000 FIN – Fastener Users Association Growing Worldwide

September 26, 2000 FIN – The Fastener Engineering & Research Association, formed last year in the United Kingdom, reports it has grown to 280 members worldwide.
Membership is limited to engineers or technicians involved in mechanical fasteners or in specification of fastenings and fixings. Individuals rather than employers are the members.
“FERA is the most exciting development in the fastening industry for a very long time,” the group’s first president, Bob Stevens, said. “I believe FERA has an important and unique role to play in the future of industry, bringing together a wide range of experts into a single organization created to recognize and enhance the contribution made by those involved in the specification of fasteners.”
Stevens is the group quality director of TR Fastenings Ltd., a UK-based distributor that initially sponsored FERA.
“FERA provides engineers and designers from major OEMs with their own professional body,” according to the association. “One of its prime aims is to further the development of the fastener industry by allowing designers and engineers from all sections of industry to have a major say in its evolution.
FERA also helps members solve technical problems by ensuring priority access to a technical engineering and support service division, with its comprehensively equipped testing facilities. “Members have direct access to qualified fastener engineers and to each other through a network of excellence. It provides the opportunity to attend regular seminars held regionally throughout the year.”
FERA publishes a newsletter, case studies and updates on international standards and conducts seminars. Case studies have included “Unique environmental design – Aluminum Bumper Nut Inserts,” the “SPS Unbrako Automobile Transporter” and “Microscrews.”
Seminars thus far have included such topics and speakers as “Distinguishing the Appearance of Fractures in Fasteners,” by Mark Hayes of the Institute of Spring Technology,” “The Installation of Mechanical Fatteners – Best Practice” by Charles Berry of Ingersoll Rand Ltd., “Keeping Up on Corrosion – Future Aspects” by Ian Buckley of MacDermid Canning and “High Temperature Stainless Steels & Their Uses”, by Arne Andersen of Bullen Stainless AB.
FERA is planning a seminar with Alan Bate of TR Hank Division speaking on “Cost Down by Design for Sheet Metal Fasteners” and Pat Monaghan of SPS Unbrako on “Why Not Consider High Strength Fasteners for Cost Benefits.”
FERA is headquartered at 17 Northwick Crescent, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3TU, United Kingdom. Tel: 44 121 705 4948. Fax 44 121 705 6649. Email: generalsec@fera.org.uk Web: www.fera.org.uk ©2000/2013 Fastener Industry News.
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