During the recent economic downturn, Fastco Industries has adopted a strategy of market diversification.  One of the markets that Fastco has targeted for the next 3-5 years is the aerospace fasteners market.  One of the first significant steps in preparing for entry into this market is AS-9100 registration.  Earlier this year, Fastco Industries signed a letter of intent for AS-9100 registration.  Fastco’s audit is currently schedule for March, 2011.  Fastco’s AS-9100 is being led by Nicole Symon, the company’s management representative, and James Wolters, Vice President of Quality and Engineering. 

Fastco Industries is pleased to announce an affiliation with DRE Marketing group - a specialist sales and marketing group with extensive experience in the OEM and industrial markets in Australia. Under this arrangement, DRE Marketing will provide exclusive sales and marketing representation for Fastco products in Australia and New Zealand.  “We are pleased to announce this affiliation,” stated Fastco President Bruce Tap, “The DRE Marketing Group and its key personnel have a wealth of experience in the specialist and engineered-fasteners industry in Australia including the automotive, white goods, electrical and electronic sectors. We are confident that this relationship will have beneficial results for both parties, while enhancing the overall competitiveness of the Australian manufacturing industry."

Fastco Industries has acquired a license to produce MAThread thread design. This patented thread form addresses the problem of cross threading and jamming of the fasteners in difficult assembly applications. Cross threading can occur when the components are misaligned at the start of the thread engagement. Instead of tracking the major diameter of one component with the minor diameter of the other, the major diameter will track over a flat lead thread. MAThread provides for a rounded shape on this lead thread that forces the major diameter to cam into the minor diameter of the mating component. The components are aligned and the thread engages down the length of the threaded section.

We have talked to enough people in the industry to determine that this thread form works very well. In situations such as a blind assembly process, misaligned components situations, or multiple components bolted together, the MAThread design has been shown to be very capable of gliding the fastener components together. The design is now the standard thread form for new General Motors work as well as Mercedes. Fastco can now bring the advantages of the design to our customers so that they can take advantage of the superior assembly capabilities of this thread.

There are various styles of this thread form that can accommodate every assembly need and they are:

• MAT Point - This point provides for at least a single turn on the rounded thread form. Approximately 95% of the products produced use this style. It is intended for general use.
• MAThread - This style is used in conjunction with a dog point or P point. This provides maximum protection from cross threading and is generally used when multiple components need to be pried into position.
• Very short MAThread - This style is used when point clearance is an issue. There is very little lead in for the mating thread. This should not be used in assemblies with a possible angular misalignment of more than 8 degrees.
• Custom point MAThread - Any point for a unique assembly application can be used with MAThread.

Fastco is more than willing to discuss and suggest a MAThread form to provide a solution to your cross threading issues. This thread design compliments our wide range of products with added cross threading protection. This is a proven performer and a welcome addition to our capabilities.