So much to learn in our industry theses days………………thankfully fastener associations have taken an active role in educating the industry. On March 13th, the Mid-West Fastener Association conducted a seminar to familiarize the industry with Class C Products. There are many of these products but in a one day seminar many were discussed. As Rich Pease, of the Education Committee, reminded the attendees “Remember these products are excellent for an add on sale.” Fastener life isn’t solely about bolts, nuts, and screws any more. Diversity is the key to survival!

The MWFA continues to offer many beneficial education opportunities to its members and the fastener industry. May 9th Morgan Ohare hosted a day seminar at their facility. Bob Giomi/Morgan Ohare conducted the class, assisted by Greg Soski/
Hi-Temp. This venue was an excellent facility with a classroom to conduct the in class session followed by hands on explanation through the plant.
Many areas of Heat Treating and Plating were covered including: Common Finishes & Heat Treat Processes, Reasons for Particular Processes, Plating: Corrosion Resistance, Lubrications, Aesthetics; Heat Treating: Case Hardening, Neutral Hardening,, Induction Heat Treating; Preparatory Steps; Hydrogen Embitterment; Testing Procedures: Hardness Testing and Plating Thickness & Gaging.

After a few years of moving dinner meetings throughout the Midwest, the MWFA has begun to also move their education seminars. On April 19th, an Introduction to Fasteners-Hands on Seminar was presented in Milwaukee, WI. With 20 attendees taking advantage to this great opportunity, the move proved to be successful.

Presenters included Thomas Anderson/Action Threaded Products, David Gawlik/Stelfast Inc., Shannon Kuglia/Sems and Specials, Ed Lacerra/Kriscot Sales, Casey McIlhon/McIlhon & Associates. Basic fastener information including fastener components, fastener materials, head markings, metrics, print reading and manufacturing methods were discussed.

Don Walker/Brighton-Best Socket Screw, our Education Chairman, did an excellent job of directing this year’s two day seminar bringing in may expert speakers. These speakers included: Thomas Anderson/Action Threaded Products, Wally Olczak/Delta Secondary, Ed Lacerra/Kriscot Sales, Bruce Wheeler/Star Stainless, Mitch Jacobs/MSI , Ben Dagly/Heads & Threads Int’l, Bob Urlakis/Willie Washer Mfg., Dave Gawlik/Stelfast Inc. as well as Don teaching portions of the class. Morgan Ohare and Brico Industries graciously hosted plant tours giving students hands on experience.