HEICO-LOCK WEDGE LOCK NUTS

The Fastener Factory are exclusive importers of HEICO-LOCK Wedge Lock Nuts.

“The HEICO-LOCK Ring Lock Washers include a plastic ring that offers a big advantage to users as it ensures that the washers are kept together and in the same position they need to be used,” mentions Tobias Grobe. “This helps provide solutions to processes as it makes it very easy to reinstall and remove the washers.”

In 2014 HEICO expanded its HEICO-LOCK portfolio even further by adding the HEICO-LOCK? Wedge Lock Nut and Wheel Nut. By combining a nut with its HEICO-LOCK Wedge Lock Washers – in a captive and rotary way – HEICO guarantees that they are fixed permanently in the correct position with the wedge lock washers securing the bolted joint using the HEICO-LOCK principle – without loss of quality or function. This results in a locking system that makes securing bolted joints more efficient, effective and easier under the most extreme vibrations and dynamic loads.

“The introduction of the HEICO-LOCK Wedge Lock Nut underlined that we are always focusing on the demands of our customers,” points out Jan Bernd Heimann. “Thanks to our manufacturing capabilities we are able to produce all of the HEICO-LOCK products at competitive prices, but more importantly on a continuously stable and high-quality level.”

A key factor in HEICO-LOCK’s high-quality standards was the experience of process stability and quality management the company has gained from its cold forming division. “When we set up the HEICO-LOCK division, we decided to use all the quality standards and processes that we had developed for the automotive market through our cold forming division,” explains Tobias Grobe.

“We realised that we could not differentiate between automotive production and washer production,” adds Jan Bernd Heimann. “You can only have one philosophy within a company and with our cold forming division we already had a philosophy that enabled us to meet the high demands and needs of the automotive industry, which helped us achieve the ISO/TS 16949 standard. That is why we adopted the same quality systems and lean production process methods for the production of the HEICO-LOCK range.”

HEICO’s commitment to quality was further underlined when in 2012 it increased its capabilities for testing bolt securing systems in its testing laboratory. Laboratory services that are now available include vibration testing according to E DIN 25201-4 Appendix B; torque/clamp force testing according to ISO 16047; dimensioning and calculation of bolted joints – e.g. according to VDI 2230; as well as a variety of customised tests according to individual customer applications.

“The development of the testing laboratory is a really important step for us,” says Jan Bernd Heimann. “We now have the capability to carry out various tests up to M33 and are working with independent institutes across Europe.” In addition to the certifications from TüV, DNV and other external laboratories – such as Institute IMA in Dresden, University of Cologne, CETIM in Paris – HEICO’s wedge locking system is also approved by customers, including Deutsche Bahn AG, Siemens and Alstom.

Jan Bernd Heimann continues: “Customers are also welcome to carry out their own testing in our laboratory and we can produce an in-depth test report, which they can use for their individual requirements or specifications. We also offer seminars – either in-house or at customers’ facilities – as well as regularly present speeches at different events and seminars that focus on our vast capabilities and solutions.”

Finding the best solution is a mantra that runs through the heart of the Group and its 450 employees. From speaking to Jan Bernd Heimann and Tobias Grobe there is a clear drive and dedication to continuously optimise processes. This is supported by an investment programme that has seen new machinery and systems constantly being added – helping to improve efficiency and guarantee optimum production.

“Our commitment to innovation and continually evolving is still as strong today as it has ever been,” concludes Jan Bernd Heimann. “We look forward to continuing to develop new products in the future and reliably provide customers with the very best solutions – ‘Made in Germany’.”

Visit us at www.thefastenerfactory.co.za for a full catalog of our HEICO-LOCK products.