The construction industry is on a pivotal journey toward sustainability, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have a critical opportunity to lead this transformation by re-evaluating their choice of industrial fasteners.
With mounting pressure to reduce environmental impact, comply with stricter regulations, and achieve long-term cost savings, the time for change is now. The UN’s 2023 global status report reveals that the building and construction sector is falling short of decarbonisation goals for 2050, highlighting the urgency for action.
For construction equipment OEMs, optimising manufacturing processes—including the selection of industrial fasteners—can significantly contribute to sustainability efforts and support the electrification of equipment. Below are five key strategies to help OEMs make impactful changes in their fastener choices.
1 – Weight
For OEMs aiming to electrify their products, considering the weight of industrial fasteners is crucial. Using industrial fasteners made from high-strength alloys can help reduce weight, which in turn enables the final product to demand less energy to operate, which improves both equipment performance and battery efficiency.
2 – Strength
Industrial fasteners must meet high tolerance and vibration demands, bearing loads between 65-90% of their yield strength to avoid loosening or breaking during installation and use. Construction equipment OEMs should consider utilising cold-formed industrial fasteners, because the cold-forming process maximises the fasteners’ metallurgical properties and structural integrity, prioritising part strength and durability, which is crucial for equipment in the construction industry.
3 – Corrosion
Construction equipment encounters moisture, harsh weather conditions, and chemicals, so the industrial fasteners used must be highly corrosion resistant. Materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, and titanium provide excellent yield strength and are highly resistant to corrosion. Therefore, these are the materials construction equipment OEMs should look for in the industrial fasteners they use in their electric products.
4 – Thermal Conductivity
Electric construction equipment can generate a significant amount of heat during operations. If the product’s fasteners are not optimised for use, then this heat can transfer to critical components, risking poor performance and low battery life. Industrial fasteners made from aluminium help dissipate the buildup of heat in electric construction equipment and ensure the working temperature stays at an optimal level.
5 – Sustainability
As the industry pushes for reduced environmental impact, sourcing fasteners from eco-friendly manufacturers strengthens OEMs’ commitment to sustainability. Optimas’ cold form manufacturing in the UK and US prioritises sustainable practices, resulting in minimal waste and a lower carbon footprint.
Optimas can provide a wide range of lightweight, corrosion-resistant, high-strength materials to optimise your construction equipment. Committing to electrification not only helps OEMs produce more sustainable products but also requires adopting new standards and best practices. Adhering to consistent standards ensures that every partner, supplier, worker, and stakeholder understands and aligns with the mission.
Fasteners can account for up to 50% of SKUs in manufacturing electric construction equipment, making it vital for OEMs to choose the right fasteners to maximise efficiency.
Source: Optimas
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