Eric Dudas, Fully Threaded Radio Recently, I spent the better part of a day paying close attention to the AI for Distributors Summit presented by MDM Distribution Intelligence. It was a virtual conference offered online and free of charge. The time was well spent. It might sound like a snore-fest to some fastener folks, but one of the highlights for me was the conversation between Endries International CEO Michael Knight along with MDM host Mike Hockett. They explored some of the big picture issues surrounding AI during a session entitled “Risks and Ethical Considerations of AI Deployme ..read more

  The 2024 International Fastener Expo is set to take place this September 9-11 at Mandalay Bay, Halls B & C in Las Vegas, with the Expo being open on September 10 and 11. Whether it’s your first time at the show or you are a repeat attendee or exhibitor, we’ve got a pre-show planner to help you get prepared.   Schedule-at-a-Glance Mark your calendars as the event kicks off with a dynamic schedule packed with valuable education sessions, networking opportunities, and a bustling expo floor. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect: Monday, September 9: Full Day FTI Training ..read more

  Warehouses serve as crucial hubs for the storage, handling, and distribution of goods. However, despite advancements in technology and management practices, warehouses often encounter bottlenecks that impede their efficiency and performance. These wide-ranging challenges can significantly impact a warehouse’s ability to meet customer demands and maintain operational excellence. Understanding and addressing these bottlenecks is essential for businesses looking to optimize their warehouse processes and drive greater productivity. Let’s take a closer look at four common holdups that you ma ..read more

  Structural washers, also known as load-indicating washers or high-strength washers, are specialized types of washers. They are designed to provide a consistent and accurate method of measuring the tension in a bolted joint. These washers typically have a unique shape, with a slightly conical or beveled surface, and are often made from hardened steel. When a bolt is tightened, the washer flattens under the applied load. The amount of flattening is proportional to the tension in the bolt, providing a visual indication of the bolt’s tension level. Structural washers are commonly used in co ..read more

  We are familiar with self-service checkout in our favorite retailers and grocery stores, but did you know that 99% of B2B buyers state they will purchase using a digital self-serve model, with most very comfortable spending $50K or more online, according to McKinsey. As a business owner, are you equipped with the resources to offer this form of B2B commerce to your customers? As the buyer’s preference moves to an ecommerce website versus the traditional sales representative selling; previous outreach like cold calls and printed catalogs have evolved to digital self-service portals that ..read more

  The International Fastener Expo offers valuable programs that attendees and exhibitors can participate in; two such programs are Bring Your Own Distributor (BYOD) and Rising Star. Nominations are now open, learn more and get your submissions in! Bring Your Own Distributor (BYOD) BYOD is a program that encourages exhibitors to invite buyers that they would like to meet with to the show. This program highlights the networking available at IFE and allows for distributor companies to join us and connect with peers, partners, and potential suppliers. Here are the eligibility criteria for nom ..read more

  For the last 27 years, every February/March issue of Fastener Technology International (FTI) magazine has contained a special “Top Products” editorial feature article. To prepare the article, FTI’s Editorial Staff starts the new year by looking for new and noteworthy products presented editorially any FTI issue of the prior year. We do not test the products or attempt to endorse their usefulness, but we do applaud the product developments and marketing efforts of each company involved in presenting them in the pages of FTI. This year, the “Top Products of 2023” article appears on pages ..read more

  As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance processes and tasks throughout a variety of sectors, the manufacturing industry has applied this technology in machine learning, which focuses on developing algorithms and statistical models that computer systems can use to perform specific tasks without explicit instructions. Instead of being programmed to perform a specific task, machine learning algorithms are trained on large amounts of data to learn patterns and make predictions or decisions based on that data. One way in which machine learning can be applied is with predictive m ..read more

  The North American industrial fasteners market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 20.70 billion in 2024 to USD 24.29 billion by 2029. (Source) The increasing demand for industrial fasteners in North America is driven by the growth of key end-user industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and construction.   The automotive, which dominates the segment by application, and aviation sectors are major consumers of industrial fasteners due to the extensive number of parts involved in both production and the final product. In the face of heightened competition, manufacturers a ..read more

  Nominations are now opening for the 2024 Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year award! This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the fastener industry and exemplify excellence in their work. The Hall of Fame award honors individuals who have demonstrated a dedication to advancing the fastener industry throughout their careers and made significant and enduring contributions on a national or global scale. Past inductees have included pioneers, visionaries, and trailblazers who have left a lasting impact on the industry ..read more