Global Fastener News

John Wolz

The Industrial Fasteners Institute announced a seminar on the engineering characteristics of plastic fastening.
The one-day seminar will be on Wednesday, April 10, 2001, at the Michigan State University management education center in Troy, MI. \
The Society of Plastics Engineers and the American Society of Body Engineers endorse the seminar. The seminar will include tabletop exhibits.
Dr. Tom Doppke, former senior fastener engineer with GM Truck & Bus and now a consultant with Technical Presentations Co. of Sterling Heights, MI, will be moderator; Fred Deans of the Society of Plastics Engineers will be the keynote luncheon speaker on �The Future of Plastics in the Automotive Industry�; and Don Cunninghan, ATF Inc. will give the opening remarks.
Speakers are: Grant Garrett, TRW Engineered Fasteners Division, �Plastic Fastener Basics�; Khamsin Steele, ATF Inc., �Cold Formed Fasteners for Plastics�; Mark Baker, Pop Fasteners Division, �Blind Rivets for Plastics�; Greg Peck, Heli-Coil/Dodge Division, �Inserts for Plastics�; Randy Gronau, Emhart Fastening Teknologies, �Metallic Clips & Retainers for Plastic Attachments�; Ken Gomes, Reminc, �Threaded Steel Fasteners for Plastic Joint Design�; Pete Leach, Velcro USA Inc., �Easier Assembly With Hook & Loop�; and Nola Parsons, Dukane Ultrasonics, �Ultrasonic Welding of Plastics.�
�Plastics usage in the industrial sector has grown from decorative trim packages to whole modules of vehicles,� according to the IFI. �Weight and complexity of structure issues have driven plastics upward to become one of the three primary competitive fabrication materials.�
While there have been many advancements in molding techniques and design features, the methods for attaching plastic components are still not codified.
For information contact the IFI. Tel: 216 241-1482 Fax 216 241-5901 E-mail: indfast@aol.com Web: industrial-fasteners.org �2002 FastenerNews.com