Keeping It Together

Automotive Industries,  Feb, 2001  by Gerry Kobe

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With roughly 1,100 highly specialized fasteners In the average car, automakers have reached the point where the decision whether to weld, screw, bond, snap, clamp, bolt or rivet can mean the difference between reliability and liability. Fastening technology has become a specialized engineering field, and the leading fastener suppliers are positioned to back their products with full-service support that starts at the concept stage and follows-on through production. Automakers and Tier 1 suppliers that embrace that expertise are taking the first step toward higher quality. Those who choose to view fasteners as commodities will remain mired in warranty work, recalls and unhappy customers.

Fastening Trends to Watch

* Less fasteners per vehicle -- now 1/3 fewer than 1980.

* Engineered fasteners replace commodity fasteners.

* Fastener companies influence joint designs.

* Fasteners perform multiple functions.

* Threaded fasteners have self-locking designs.

* More surface-attach fasteners, less holes in structure.

* Organic coatings replace chromate and cadmium.

* Customers want assembly systems -- not just parts.

* Online and mobile fastening expertise available.

* Industry commonization discussed but has not succeeded.

* Electronics is creating growth in small fasteners.

* Light metals and plastics favor bonding solutions.

* Disassembly and recycling favor mechanical solutions.

* Adhesives use in interiors will increase.

* 3-D laser welding cuts cycle time, lowers cost.

* Japanese automakers turning to snap-fits.

DaimlerChrysler Fastener Commonization

1990 8,000

1992 7,400

1994 6,500

1996 4,300

1998 700

2000 1,700 [*]

Part Numbers (est)

(*.) includes Mercedes/Smart

DaimlerChrysler Fastener Supplier Consolidation

1990 310

1992 255

1994 180

1996 100

1998 45

2000 110 [*]

Suppliers (est)

(*.) includes Mercedes/Smart

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