With the current state of the market and everyone looking at cost reductions, we have been looking at our own systems and discussing this situation with our Manufacturers and Suppliers in an effort to identify meaningful savings to pass on to our customers.
Daily cost saving tip #1
Are you choosing a standard product or a custom part?
We find that custom parts are regularly ordered instead of selecting a product from our range of standard products without realising the difference or impact this has to your costs.
If you choose a custom part outside the standard grade for a fastener this will require to be sourced or manufactured which will incur extra charges and longer lead times.
Choose from our standard range of fastener products which we have in stock in our warehouse and save yourself time and money!
Most products from our standard range are available in a range of materials including stainless, brass, high tensile grades and exotics e.g. Duplex and in a range of finishes such as BZP (Zn), GALV (HDG) & Plain (SC).
Remember: Check our standard product range first and see if we can help you to save time and money!
Daily cost saving tip #2
Are you ordering a standard or custom material type?
Understanding the different grades of Stainless Steel will ensure that standard material types are ordered and that the material used is fit for purpose.
Ordering a standard material type will help to save time and money. We have detailed a small guide below to understanding the different grades of Stainless Steel to help you with your selection:
Metric
- The grades available are A2-70, A4-70 and A4-80.
- Anything below M6 is generally not available in A4-80.
- Anything above M30 is usually available in A2 & A4.
- A2 & A4 are the most common steel grades used for fasteners.
- Generally A4 has better corrosion resistance than A2 in marine environments.
Imperial
- Imperial grade bolts are available in 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Remember: Anything out with the standard grades available would be considered a custom order so would therefore cost more money and time to manufacture this.
For example if A4-80 was requested for an imperial bolt then this would be considered a special and would need to be manufactured because imperial bolts are availble in 304 or 316 stainless steel as standard.
Daily cost saving tip #3
Are you choosing a standard size of fastener?
As a general rule most bolt lengths can be supplied in increments of:
- 5mm up to 90mm
- Then increasing to 10mm increments up to 180mm
- Then increasing to increments of 20mm
We will endeavor to offer the nearest standard size as an alternative.
For example: If an M12 x 115mm Hex Bolt is requested we will offer the standard M12 x 120mm Hex Bolt etc.
Remember: Anything outside of these sizes would be considered a special request and could incur extra time and money.
Daily cost saving tip #4
Do you know what certification you require?
The types of certification we can offer are:
- 2.1 / LOC
- 3.1 certification
- 3.2 certification
- Mill certificate
- Dimensional report
Remember:
As a standard industrial fasteners are manufactured to dimensional standard and material grade and are supplied with an LOC.
Test Certificates (3.1 and 3.2) are for products manufactured to order therefore price is based on required quantity, delivery time and level of certification required.
Dimensional Reports and Mill Certificates can be supplied along with Test Certificates (3.1 and 3.2) so again require to be requested in addition to the standard LOC and therefore price is based on required quantity, delivery time and level of certification required.
If you have any questions or would like to request further information on how we can assist with additional cost reductions by reviewing your purchasing and supply chain please contact us.
