Global Fastener News

Kerley at IFE: Adhesives and Intelligent Fasteners Gaining Marketshare

Jason Sandefur

The worldwide fastener market is expected to reach $54.9 billion by 2010, with U.S. fastener market demand growing 3.8% per year to $13.5 billion by 2011, according to Art Kerley, president of The Fairfield Factor in Danbury, CT.
Speaking at a conference during the International Fastener Exposition show in Cleveland, Kerley said that the U.S. fastener industry is projected to do well over the next few years, boosted by rising aerospace demand. “Whether we get this situation in Iraq resolved, the military inventory is way down, creating opportunities for suppliers,” Kerley noted.
As expected, auto market fastener demand will continue to level off, while electrical and electronic products demand should remain strong.
The next few years also pose challenges to fastener producers and distributors, according to Kerley. “Adhesives are chipping away at the mechanical fastening market, mainly because so many parts are made of plastics.” Likewise, advanced manufacturing methods will result in fewer auto and aerospace fasteners in cars and planes.
Next-generation fasteners designs self-locking, self-sealing fasteners, fasteners with on-board sensors, and intelligent fasteners with microprocessors and shape memory materials controlled remotely via software are making inroads in traditional mechanical fastener markets, Kerley found. “This is what they call ‘disruptive technology.’ It could totally change how we manufacture products. It’s exciting because it could revolutionize the entire way parts are made.” �2007 FastenerNews.com