Making U.S. companies competitive in today's International Markets is the goal behind AFT Fasteners recently unveiled “International Solutions” program. AFT has removed any roadblocks, answered any questions and helped its clients start sourcing parts. This program will be dedicated to helping small and large businesses alike find hard-to-find sources for manufactured parts and hardware.

There are many advantages to sourcing international parts and hardware. Some include: Skilled Labor - foreign labor has become cheaper, reliable and more skilled than in the past; Resources - less expensive than domestic in many cases; New Aggressive Suppliers - emerging countries, markets and businesses compete for business at competitive rates to boost their economies. AFT's extensive global sources allows for a wide variety of products that range from hardware, electronic components and connectors, castings, plastics, injection molded parts, CNC machines parts, packaging, rubber, seals and more.

The AFT International Solutions program also addresses the quality issue of imported goods and services. There are definite cost savings offered by global sourcing, but concerns about quality have made organizations hesitate. As part of the International Solutions program, AFT has developed an effective quality assurance program to ensure product quality and durability. Onsite manufacturer visits, comprehensive testing and the prototype approval process allows domestic companies the ability to set high standards which are standard and expected. Companies are avoiding the hassles of defective parts and unnecessary fights over quality certifications and take advantage of our independent testing laboratory. Technical Assistance and design engineering are available to provide assistance from prototype stage to production. Factories are ISO, QS or TS certified with the ability to provide PPAP’s, and MTR certs.

Logistics also play a large part in AFT’s International Solutions program. AFT has established procedures and techniques for handling all of the logistics and customs services required to deliver products from the factory to customers’ doors. There is no longer a need to devote precious factory room housing bulky pallets of materials. The International Solutions program provides warehouse capabilities and supplies components as customers need them. Another “Solutions” service popular with AFT clients is offshore consolidation of shipments to ensure that materials are shipped together in dedicated containers. Critical items can be dual sourced both domestic and import to avoid interruption of supply and maintain a low risk supply chain. AFT also holds a buffer stock in our domestic warehouse if needed.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with a successful International Solutions program.

- AFT Team

Bolt: A fastener consisting of a threaded pin or rod with a head at one end, designed to be inserted through holes in assembled parts and secured by a mated nut that is tightened by applying torque. There are many types of Bolts and here are just a few that AFT carries: Structural Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Elevator Bolts, Flange Bolts, Foundation Bolts, Grade 5 & 8 Bolts, Hex Cap Screws, Lag Bolts, Plow Bolts, Square Head Bolts, Tap Bolts and Tension Bolts.

Bolts can be made from nearly any metal, but steel in many different hardnesses and finishes are the most common.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to customers. AFT supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this provides expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide businesses with high quality electronic hardware solutions.

One of the best ways to provide excellent electronic parts, hardware and service is to have the most reliable sources in the world. Perhaps one of the most well respected names in electronic hardware manufacturing is RAF Electronics. Based in America, RAF provides standoffs, spacers, handles & ferrules, male-female standoffs, captive screws, retainers, jackscrews, precision shoulder screws, thumb screws, thumb nuts, swage standoffs, insulating washers, anti-rotation swage standoffs, swaging tools and plastic circuit board supports. All RAF products can be supplied in American standard and metric dimensions, and parts are manufactured in the United States.

Recently, RAF has implemented lean manufacturing processes and taken strives to enhance customer service by gearing manufacturing processes around the “customer service” experience. By implementing these customer service strategies, RAF has provided distributors like AFT Fasteners the tools needed to ensure available inventory, fast lead times, ease of ordering and reliable hardware. Training techniques have been implemented as well to provide all associates with the skills needed to meet customers’ needs. Other companies providing excellent service and exceptional electronic industry parts are Cable Tie Express, Fascomp, 3M, and Keystone. These companies provide plastic ties, connectors, terminals and more.

AFT Fasteners is a Texas based fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to customers. AFT supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this provides expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide businesses with high quality electronic hardware solutions.

- The AFT Team

Trailer manufacturers and trailer parts providers of all types are preparing to exhibit at this year’s 2012 NATM Convention. This year’s Expo will be held at the popular Fort Worth Convention Center. This facility is well equipped to provide a pleasant and enthralling venue right in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. Early registration will begin online and will start in person on Tuesday, February 7th at 7pm in the Fort Worth Convention Center.

AFT Fasteners supports this year’s format of enhanced workshops that will continue through the week and provide excellent information on such topics as “Business Operations”, which will include “The Art of Execution” and “Canadian Transport”. Other workshops will include more technical topics such as “Structural Adhesive Solutions for Trailer Fabrication”, “Transportation Logistics”, “Galvanic Corrosion” and a great presentation by Ron Black, of The Mentor Group on “Business to Business Negotiating Skills: Creating Profitable, Long-term Business Solutions”.

Along with workshops there will, of course, be the main topic of this year’s NATM Convention: vendors bringing their products to market and making contacts who share a common interest in building safe, efficient and profitable trailers. AFT Fasteners is a Texas based fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. We supply high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. We serve our customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows us to provide expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact our professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with successful trailer manufacturing solutions.

Maintenance, Repair, Operations (MRO) items are supplies consumed in the production process but which do not either become part of the end product or are not central to the firm's output. MRO items include consumables, industrial equipment, plant upkeep supplies and even computer equipment. These types of items range from safety equipment, cleaning materials, laboratory and office supplies, compressors, pumps, valves, gaskets, lubricants, repair tools, and even computer equipment and supplies.

The economics of ordering MRO materials and the decisions on how to save money by consolidating the vendors involved in this order process is an ongoing science. For 2012, AFT Fasteners has dedicated copious resources to the science of saving businesses money. By consolidating the MRO shopping process into a “One Stop Shop”, AFT Fasteners has allowed MRO purchasers to save time. The goal is to provide the most comprehensive vendor line-up in the world of MRO supplies. There are numerous factors in deciding upon an MRO provider and one of the most critical is the availability of products and the “speed of delivery”.

Availability and “speed of delivery” are greatly increased by AFT Fastener’s ability to drop ship items from 19 locations in the United States. Just a few of these new locations for 2012 include Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Grand Rapids, Harrisburg, Houston, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Orlando, Pittsburgh and Portland. These warehouses contain over 60,000 individual SKU items for maximum availability and rapid delivery. Now you can order an item from your location and not worry about it being organized and shipped from across the United States. These efficient and clean warehouses offer JIT ordering and help keep your company’s inventory right where it needs to be.

As the new year progresses AFT Fasteners will be analyzing companies’ needs and what items they order to make sure that the most popular MRO and Safety Supply items are maintained for production and manufacturing needs. AFT Fasteners is a global provider for fasteners, metal plating, industrial components, petrochemical hardware, kitting and warehousing services. If your company needs a resource for these services or has any questions about industrial solutions, then please contact AFT Fasteners online or call toll free at 877-844-8595. Their sales staff and operators are excited to help your company save money and succeed.

AFT Fasteners’ customized products and programs have now been made available to domestic and international customers to lower their material, labor, inventory, storage and fabrication costs. AFT Fasteners has increased their warehouse spaces, increased inventory control capabilities and added more warehouse personnel experienced in today’s high-tech management systems. Other production services that AFT’s customers benefit from are hardware kitting and fastener modification, fabrication and  plating.

Warehousing and inventory services are implementations that improve shipping as well as inventory costs and price control. Automated systems like JIT, KanBan, VMI and EDI offer inventory counts and ordering times for needed parts without the potential for manual mistakes. AFT is offering solutions for customers who need their specialty parts imported, modified, plated and then stored in a safe, secure warehouse environment.

Manufacturers are often unaware of the benefits of having “kitted” parts and hardware. Benefits afforded to those who use kitting services are easy ordering of parts with one “kit” number versus multiple part numbers. Invoicing is also easier because of the fewer part numbers and tracking requirements. Production is improved since all of the pre-approved parts are in one assembly location. Waste is also reduced since the parts are packed together instead of individual wrappings. Parts costs are lowered as well, due to the ability to order in bulk and package accordingly.

AFT Fasteners also does hardware modification and fabrication. Just a few of the most common procedures include: fastener drilling, cutting, end slotting and thread locking. These capabilities, along with an in-house metal plating and coating facility,  provide a one-stop production capability that few solutions providers offer. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

In recent years AFT, Automated Finishing Technology, has grown from a small North Texas business to an international importer/exporter of quality standard and non-standard fasteners, mechanical components and manufacturing industry services. One of their most recent acquisitions is a dry film lube and Xylan® coating facility located in Arlington, Texas. Proven business practices and management models have already lifted the local business to the international stage in the electroplating and fastener distribution fields.
AFT has already started enjoying great success with this new facility by quickly establishing a diverse customer base. These customers are receiving excellent coated products to meet their wide diversity of manufacturing needs and specifications. Dry film lubricants start out as high performance, paint-like coatings consisting of fine particles of lubricating pigments blended with a binder and special additives. After application and proper curing, these lubricants bond to the surface of the ware, and form a solid film, which reduces friction, and greatly increases wear life. Many dry film lubricants also contain special rust inhibitors which offer exceptional corrosion protection in harsh environments. Dry film lubricants contain special pigments that reduce friction and wear by preventing surface-to-surface contact between mating parts (i.e., a shaft and its bearings). Performance properties vary depending on the specific lubricating pigment used. Some offer excellent lubrication and corrosion protection, while others operate at high temperatures. Some are formulated for use in extreme environments and can withstand nuclear radiation. A few applications of dry film uses are: parts usage in corrosive atmospheres, protection for stored parts, parts requiring permanent lubrication, parts subject to frequent disassembly, fretting and galling protection and ease of release assistance.
Xylan® and wet paint applications can also be matched to a wide diversity of colors and specifications. Xylan® is the umbrella trademark for most of the Whitford fluoropolymer coatings line. Xylan® is comprised of low friction, wear resistant composites of fluoropolymers and reinforcing binder resins. There is a wide range of Xylan® coatings available in one, two, and three coat conventional and reinforced non-sticks. The fluoropolymers utilized in Xylan® coatings consist of PTFE, PFA, and FEP.
Automated Finishing Technologies has years of experience in fastener and parts electro-plating and metal coatings and specialize in black oxide, copper, e-nickel, silver, zinc, zinc phosphate, cadmium and more. AFT also is related to AFT Fasteners which provides high quality fasteners, components, inventory control, kitting services and fastener manufacturing and modifications. These companies are no strangers to meeting the most stringent manufacturing specifications. For more information regarding metal plating, Xylan® and other coatings – visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form.

- AFT Team

The Dallas Regional Chamber is the area’s leading membership-driven business organization committed to promoting economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in public education, influencing public policy, and catalyzing and advocating for regional partnerships. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization comprising businesses representing all facets of the North Texas business community.

AFT Fasteners joins the Dallas Chamber of Commerce's mission of accomplishing successful business practices and leadership in Dallas and North Texas. Not only is AFT Fasteners a North Texas business leader but is also a national and international business partner which supports local labor and goods deliverable to numerous states and countries.

AFT Fasteners embodies the spirit in which the Dallas Chamber of Commerce promotes success. Being part of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce allows AFT Fasteners access to information, professional development & networking, access to savings, visibility and leadership advocacy. For more information about AFT Fasteners and their line of top quality fasteners, construction and manufacturing hardware, please visit www.aftfasteners.com or call 877-844-8595. For more information about the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.dallaschamber.org.

- The AFT Team

TR Fastenings was founded by Mike Timms and Mike Roberts in the United Kingdom  in 1973. The TR Hank® Self Clinch Fasteners brand was established in 1988 and has since grown to be globally distributed for industries that range from mobile phone manufacturing to aircraft manufacturers. Self clinch fasteners are widely used as a fastening product when manufacturing thin sheet metal intensive products. These fasteners provide strong threads in sheet metals, require no “tapping” and provide high push-out and torque resistance. These are fasteners that are excellent when the manufacturing process does not provide easy access to the gripping side of a fastening point.

AFT Fasteners is already a trusted international source for numerous products, and they are excited to add these internationally certified self-clinching products to their expansive line up. This partnership creates a global force to compete against manufacturers like Captive Fastener Corporation and Penn Engineering. With a focus on product quality and availability, AFT and TR Fastenings will provide a wide variety of high quality, self-clinching fasteners at a competitive price. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

Cable Tie Express announces the addition of AFT Fasteners to its distribution and dealer network. These companies are setting the standard in customer satisfaction and confidence, as a prime source for standard and specialty cable ties, heat shrink tubing, mounting products, cable clamps, wire connectors, and installation tools.  Non-standard items and to-print specials are other needs they fulfill on a daily basis. Cable Tie Express continues to seek and add specialized products to its product offering to provide customers with additional solutions to meet all of their wire management requirements. AFT Fasteners stands by the Cable Tie Express motto: “Tying Service to Quality”. Cable Tie Express has a strong commitment to their mission statement which includes maintaining a varied and competitive product line, highest quality standards, unparalleled customer service and fanatical product knowledge.

AFT Fasteners is thrilled to offer cable ties, mounting hardware, heat shrink tubing and other mounting products offered by Cable Tie Express. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

Stainless steel can unpredictably sustain galling (cold welding). Stainless steel self-generates an oxide surface film for corrosion protection. During fastener tightening, as pressure builds between the contacting and sliding, thread surfaces, protective oxides are broken, possibly wiped off, and interface metal high points shear or lock together. This cumulative clogging-shearing-locking action causes increasing adhesion. In the extreme, galling leads to seizing - the actual freezing together of the threads. If tightening is continued, the fastener can be twisted off or its threads ripped out.

If galling is occurring because of high friction the torque will not be converted into bolt preload. This may be the cause of the problems that you are experiencing. The change may be due to the surface roughness changing on the threads or other similar minor change. To overcome the problem - suggestions are:


1. Slowing down the installation RPM speed may possibly solve or reduce the frequency of the problem. As the installation RPM increases, the heat generated during tightening increases. As the heat increases, so does the tendency for the occurrence of thread galling.

2. Lubricating the internal and/or external threads frequently can eliminate thread galling. The lubricants usually contain substantial amounts of molybdenum disulfide (moly). Some extreme pressure waxes can also be effective. Be careful however, if you use the stainless steel fasteners in food related applications some lubricants may be unacceptable. Lubricants can be applied at the point of assembly or pre-applied as a batch process similar to plating. Several chemical companies, such as Moly-Kote, offer anti-galling lubricants.

3. Different combinations of nut and bolt materials can assist in reducing or even eliminating galling. Some organizations specify a different material, such as aluminum bronze nuts. However this can introduce a corrosion problem since aluminum bronze is anodic to stainless steel.

If you have questions about stainless steel or other fasteners, please contact us at AFT Fasteners (877) 844-8595 or via email Contact Us.

AFT Industries provides a wide variety of products and supplies for the Petroleum and Oil Field Industries. AFT is excited to announce that we now have offices in Dallas / Fort Worth as well as our new office in Houston, Texas. On the international stage of petroleum refinery and production, Houston stands on top of the industry that literally drives the world. We have expanded our services to an even broader geographical base of clients that drill, refine and transport petroleum based products all over the United States.

Most hardware for this industry requires heavy duty components with larger sizes, higher safety specifications, higher operating tolerances and guaranteed longer life expectancies. Some of the premium petrochemical hardware that AFT Industries provides are:

• Studs and Bolts - petrochemical grades, stainless steel grades, exotic alloys: (nickel, brass, bronze, titanium), all threaded rod, low carbon studs, heavy hex bolts

• Nuts - heavy hex, all materials and grades, industrial electroplatings and specialty coatings

• Flanges - lap joint, welding neck, slip on, socket weld and threaded

• Pipes, Valves and Fittings - brass, steel, forged steel, stainless steel, CPVC, PVC, iron, and fittings for all purposes

• Gaskets - spiral wound, Flexitallic, composite materials/fibers and matching industrial sets

• Washers - all types of finishes and metal materials

• Special Platings & Coatings - Xylan, Teflon, Cadmium, E-Nickel, Zinc, Zinc Nickel, Nickel, Phosphate & more

• Cutting & Safety Equipment - personal wear, coco mats, escape chairs, welding helmets, welding supplies, leak detectors, saws, saw blades, circular safety blades and more.

At AFT Industries the mission statement is simple: Provide our Customers with what they need to Succeed! We strive to accomplish this mission every day in a timely manner that allows your business to be as successful and profitable as possible.

Next time your company needs Petroleum and Oil Field hardware or supplies, do not hesitate to contact us at Info@Aft-Corp.com or call toll free 877-844-8595.

Lance Thorley

AFT Industries

Enjoy this brief video about Design2Part exhibits --

  

Going from a local metal plating company to an international success in the fastener distribution market takes a passion for success. AFT Industries has been a quality provider of metal plating, fastener importing-distribution, and industrial services for more than a decade now. Providing customers with a cost effective and profitable partnership has been the driving force behind their success. It is with great pride that they are announcing a broad expansion of services for the future. 

Recent events include the acquisition of a large distribution center in the heart of Dallas and Fort Worth’s shipping community. This modern facility provides a great hub for global sourcing, timely shipping-receiving, inventory warehousing and a great environment for dedicated employees and staff to do business. New facilities were then added to increase capacities in metal plating, wet paint, dry film lube and Xylan® coatings.  To further meet customers’ needs, AFT has amplified a global internet presence and global marketing strategy, making communications and requests for fastener pricing and availability easier than ever. Visit www.aftfasteners.com and take a virtual stroll through this user friendly web experience.

AFT announces specialized sales departments to cater to high-tech clients with needs in the electronic hardware, MIL-Spec/Aerospace, and industrial services arenas. Dedicated departments provide detail oriented hardware kitting services, fastener modifications, and industry targeted customer specifications. AFT also has recently opened a sales and support department in the greater Houston area. Look for their appearance at the Southwest Design2Part trade show, to be held at the Reliant Center on November 16th and 17th, 2011.

Maintaining profitable business relations in these economic times takes an attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction, now more than ever before. AFT's  expansion shows that being a dedicated, reliable and "forward thinking" solutions provider can be done and done right.

“Meeting a customer’s needs is our number one goal, whether it is an everyday fastener request or a specialized international shipment. Satisfaction and building reliable relationships are AFT’s primary objectives.” – Johnny Rose, President

Usually fastener standards specify two types of marks to be on the head of a bolt. The manufacturer's mark is a symbol identifying the manufacturer (or importer). This is the organization that accepts the responsibility that the fastener meets specified requirements. The "Grade Mark" is a standardized mark that identifies the material properties that the fastener meets. For example 307A on a bolt head indicates that the fastener properties conform to the ASTM A307 Grade A standard.

Both marks are usually located on the top of the bolt head, most standards indicating that the marks can be raised or depressed. Raised marks are usually preferred by manufacturers because these can only be added during the forging process whereas depressed marks can subsequently be added (possibly with illegitimate marks).

The below listed Table is a listing of some of the more common Bolt Head Markings. If you have questions about a bolt head marking or specification, do not hesitate to Contact Us via our electronic form or call us at 877-844-8595.

Hex Bolt Head Markings

SAE Grade No.	Size Range	Tensile strength, ksi	Material	Head Marking
1     2	1/4" thru 1 1/2"   1/4" thru 3/4"   7/8" thru 1 1/2"	60   74   60	Low or medium carbon steel
5	1/4" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2"	120 105	Medium Carbon Steel, quenched & tempered
5.2	1/4" thru 1"	120	Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered
7	1/4" thru 1 1/2"	133	Medium carbon alloy steel, quenched & tempered
8	1/4" thru 1 1/2"	150	Medium carbon alloy steel, quenched & tempered
8.2	1/4" thru 1"	150	Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered

ASTM Standard	Size Range	Tensile strength, ksi	Material	Head Marking
A307	1/4" thru 4"	60	Low Carbon Steel
A325 Type 1	1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2"	120 105	Medium carbon steel, quenched & tempered
A325 Type 2	1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2"	120 105	Low carbon martensite steel, quenched & tempered
A325 Type 3	1/2" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2"	120 105	Weathering steel, quenched & tempered
A449	1/4" thru 1" 1 1/8" thru 1 1/2" 1 3/4" thru 3"	120 105 90	Medium carbon steel, quenched & tempered
A490 Type 1	1/4" thru 1 1/2"	150	Alloy steel, quenched & tempered
A490 Type 3	1/4" thru 1 1/2"	150	Weathering steel, quenched & tempered

Often one will find "extra" marks on a bolt head--marks in addition to those shown above. Usually these marks indicate the bolt's manufacturer.

ASTM A325 Type 2 bolts have been discontinued, but are included above because they can be found in existing structures. Their properties can be important in failure investigations.

While the bolts shown above are among the most common in the U.S., the list is far from exhaustive. In addition to the other bolts covered by the SAE and ASTM standards, there are a host of international standards, of which ISO is perhaps the most well known.

-AFT Team