Global Fastener News

John Wolz

The Fastener Engineering & Research Association announced its 2002 programs, starting with a February 14 �Awareness Workshop � A Guide to Mechanical Fasteners in Component Manufacture.�
Speakers and topics at the February meeting: John Fletcher, FERA, �Mechanical Fastening in Engineering Component Design�; Jeremy Scholefield, TR Europe, �Mechanical Fasteners � A Guide to Types, Function & Availability�; Peter Loose, Dzus Fasteners, �Choice of Materials & Function � Metal vs. Plastic Fasteners�; David Gabe, Loughborough University, �How to Avoid Corrosion Problems in Component Assembly & Fastening�; Colin John, Poeton & Son, �Surface Finishing Technologies for Fasteners�; David James, MacDermid, �Hexavalent Chrome Elimination � Practical Advice�; and Micro Plastics International Ltd., �Mechanical Fasteners & Component Miniaturization.�
FERA will conduct a symposium on fastener finishing with the Institute of Metal Finishing in Essex at a date in March to be announced.
New FERA computer-based information, self-drilling screw product data and a case study on fastener torque & lubrication will be issued to members in March.
There will be a �Smart Solutions� seminar on April 11, 2002, at TR Waterside Park, Goldshill Way, Tipton, West Midlands. Topics include: �The Benefits of Product Choice in Combating RSI,� Camcar Textron; �Tooling Aspects � RSI & the Latest Benefits,� Atlas Copco; �Elimination of Hexavalent Chrome � An Update on End of Life Vehicle Directive,� MacDermind; and �Design Risk Out � Eliminating Error at the Design Stage,� TR Europe.
In July product data will be issued on sems, blind rivets, blind rivet nuts and inserts. In September product data will be issued on self-locking nuts and washers. The November newsletter will feature drive media for fasteners.
Beginning in April 2002, applicants will be charged an enrollment fee for membership. Anyone who registered online between November 24 and 28, 2001, should reapply due to a systems failure. FERA also is selling links from its web site.
Founded in 1999, FERA is an association of individual engineers and designers from OEMs. For information contact general secretary John Fletcher, 17 Northwick Crescent, Solihull, West Midlands B91 3TU UK. Tel: (44) 121 705 4948 Fax (44) 121 705 6649 E-mail: generalsec@fera.org.uk Web: fera.org.uk \ �2002 FastenerNews.com