Socket head cap screws are used for applications with limited space. They have cylindrical head and internal wrenching features, mostly hexagon socket, that allow them to be used in locations where externally wrenched fasteners are not desirable. They are used for critical vehicle applications, machine tools, tools and dies, earth moving and mining machinery, and a wide range of engineering applications. The most important reasons for the increasing use of socket head cap screws in industry are safety, reliability and economy.

There are also many advantages of socket head cap screws over traditional screws. As compared to ordinary fasteners, less socket screws of the same size can achieve the same clamping force in a joint. As fewer screws are required for a given job, fewer holes are required to be drilled and tapped. There is weight reduction as fewer screws are used. There will also be a weight reduction on account of the smaller size of the component parts since the cylindrical heads of socket screws need less space than hex heads and require no additional wrench space. Another feature is that forged heat-treated alloy examples are high strength fasteners intended for the most demanding mechanical applications, with special alloy formulations available that are capable of maintaining strength at temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees F.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited socket head cap screws and products. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide you with the highest quality socket products.

-- The AFT Team

In mid-August of this year AFT Fasteners added Illini Metal Works of Illinois to its holdings to become AFT Manufacturing. With the addition of this new partnership, AFT Fasteners now includes the ability of high quality sheet metal fabrication, stamping and forming. With a thorough knowledge of metal forming, aluminum and steel to stainless and alloy, AFT Manufacturing will be able to produce the highest quality products in the quickest possible turn-around time. Their skilled craftsmen employ specialized equipment to produce everything from single custom orders to high volume runs. AFT Manufacturing will be capable of producing precision fabrication of complex components to larger orders of super-sized products.

AFT Manufacturing believes in the philosophy of starting projects with professional engineering and design. Before any project begins there is a great deal of planning. Working from customers' prints or their own professionally engineered designs, AFT Manufacturing helps customers with all of the production logistics. They also specialize in sheet metal fabrication which includes: stamping, cutting, welding, forming, shearing, finishing, painting, heat treating, sub assembly and final assembly. AFT Manufacturing is efficient at short run prototype runs or large quantity production runs.

AFT Manufacturing is part of a metal fabrication, stamping, manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also can supply high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, so this allows them to provide expedited service and products . Please email AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Manufacturing can provide companies with high quality metal fabrication, stamping and finishing.

     Brass has been the metal of choice for many industrial components when corrosion resistance, manufacturing malleability and lifetime durability are of great importance. Brass fittings, heavy fittings, barbs, valves, cocks, ferrules, stops and nipples are used in everything from HVAC, air compression systems, heavy machinery, oil field plumbing and hydraulic routing systems. AFT Fasteners has worked to become a great source for all different styles and sizes of brass fittings.

     AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited brass fittings and valves all over the United States. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with the highest quality Brass Fittings and products.

- The AFT Team

AFT Fasteners has proudly partnered with a true industry leader in Powers Fasteners. Powers Fasteners is a top brand name in concrete masonry anchors and structural construction fastening systems, and AFT is well known internationally for its professional sales staff and its ability to provide solutions to manufacturers' problems. The goal of AFT, as a Powers distributor, is to successfully promote Powers Fasteners numerous products. In order to accomplish this goal, AFT utilizes the high quality promotional, marketing and training materials of Powers' Sales and Marketing teams. Powers is very involved in the education of its distributors, so that they might better serve the end-users who design, engineer and construct concrete and masonry structures.

The ISO certified products that will be distributed also speak volumes for themselves. The ease of marketing and customer satisfaction is greatly enhanced with such patented fasteners as Power-Bolt®, Lok-Bolt®, Power-Stud®, Wedge-Bolt®, Chem-Stud®, the Trak-It® series tool guns and more.

Engineering reference and software are also made available through Powers' revolutionary PDA (Powers Design Assist) software and the Powers Technical Manual for the Design Professional. Both of these references provide engineers with code compliant solutions to their anchor fasteners applications and requirements.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited structural and concrete anchoring fasteners. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with the highest quality Powers Fasteners.

The 2012 AmCon Design and Manufacturing Expos are now underway. AFT Fasteners will be exhibiting at this year's Houston, Texas AmCon Expo June 6-7 at the Reliant Energy Center. AmCon shows are well known for bringing “job shops” and contract manufacturers together with regional OEM buyers, designers and engineers for finding solutions to their most difficult design and production goals.

Reliant Energy Center, Hall E - Houston, Texas

AmCon has been producing quality manufacturing trade shows since 1987, and AFT Fasteners will be at Reliant Center June 6-7 to meet with some of Houston's top manufacturing engineers and product developers. AmCon trade shows and expos are the perfect opportunity for designers and engineers to locate sources for forming, fabrication, machining, engineering, prototyping, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing. AFT Fasteners and Industrial Solutions will be featuring industry name brand products such as Kipp Adjustable Handles & Components, Power Fasteners and Martin Steel Hand Tools, to name a few. AFT looks forward to discussing these and other great products and services at Booth 301, Hall E in the Reliant Center.

Click to download the Martin Hand Tools Catalog

For over 50 years Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc. has produced some of the top quality sprockets, gears and hand tools in the world. They live by the philosophy "American made products to support American industry". Martin Tools also has a wide reaching distribution and support network spanning the entire North American continent. AFT is proud to be established as a distributor of these American forged and quality manufactured tools.

Just as in all manufacturing, the end products are the direct result of the materials that go into making them. Martin Tools uses top grade American forged steel in producing its line of tools. When a customer sees the Martin stamp on a wrench, socket set, or other body & fender tools they know immediately that they are in the presence of top quality American made tools. Martin Tools has over 20 United States manufacturing and sales locations. Together with AFT Fasteners multiple distribution centers, customer service and satisfaction are a local endeavor. Starting this month, AFT will be making available the entire Martin hand tools line up.

The parts manufactured by Martin are fully certified, providing traceability and complete documentation as needed. Quality assurance at Martin is documented and ensures that each forging meets with the highest standards set forth by Martin. Martin provides full heat treat capabilities including batch type, or atmospherically controlled, depending on the desired mechanical and physical properties needed in the forging.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited industrial tools, services and parts. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with the highest quality industrial hand tools available.

- The AFT Team

AFT Fasteners has joined the elite group of National Association of Trailer Manufacturers members who operate facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. These facilities collectively employ more than 210,000 Americans. AFT Fasteners joined the NATM recently and is already involved in ensuring that products meet or exceed those standards and federal regulations covering certification labels, tires & wheels, brakes, lighting, reflectors & conspicuity, underride protection, and cargo securement. In addition, NATM compliance requirements examines whether the trailer manufacturing process in place can meet industry accepted manufacturing standards and practices covering safety chains, couplers, electrical components, warning labels and consumer information.

These hardware and manufacturing parts required to meet and exceed the NATM's safety requirements are available at AFT Fasteners. AFT is specialized in providing Department of Transportation (DOT) reflective conspicuity tape and adhesive logos to meet state and federal requirements, as well as user safety devices such as gravel guard and anti-slip decking, flooring and surfaces. Safety requirements are often exceeded by offering trailer manufacturers services that enable them to concentrate on the manufacturing process and leave the testing and kitting of parts such as ramp gate kits, latching and pin assemblies and all the required testing and verification of parts. AFT Fasteners is looking forward to working with an agency whose mission statement is to improve future safety and performance, address regulatory issues, enhance the image of the industry, provide educational materials and informative manufacturing tools to its members.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited trailer industry parts and hardware. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with high quality trailer manufacturing parts and services.

- AFT Team

Making U.S. companies competitive in today's International Markets is the goal behind AFT Fasteners recently unveiled “International Solutions” program. AFT has removed any roadblocks, answered any questions and helped its clients start sourcing parts. This program will be dedicated to helping small and large businesses alike find hard-to-find sources for manufactured parts and hardware.

There are many advantages to sourcing international parts and hardware. Some include: Skilled Labor - foreign labor has become cheaper, reliable and more skilled than in the past; Resources - less expensive than domestic in many cases; New Aggressive Suppliers - emerging countries, markets and businesses compete for business at competitive rates to boost their economies. AFT's extensive global sources allows for a wide variety of products that range from hardware, electronic components and connectors, castings, plastics, injection molded parts, CNC machines parts, packaging, rubber, seals and more.

The AFT International Solutions program also addresses the quality issue of imported goods and services. There are definite cost savings offered by global sourcing, but concerns about quality have made organizations hesitate. As part of the International Solutions program, AFT has developed an effective quality assurance program to ensure product quality and durability. Onsite manufacturer visits, comprehensive testing and the prototype approval process allows domestic companies the ability to set high standards which are standard and expected. Companies are avoiding the hassles of defective parts and unnecessary fights over quality certifications and take advantage of our independent testing laboratory. Technical Assistance and design engineering are available to provide assistance from prototype stage to production. Factories are ISO, QS or TS certified with the ability to provide PPAP's, and MTR certs.

Logistics also play a large part in AFT's International Solutions program. AFT has established procedures and techniques for handling all of the logistics and customs services required to deliver products from the factory to customers' doors. There is no longer a need to devote precious factory room housing bulky pallets of materials. The International Solutions program provides warehouse capabilities and supplies components as customers need them. Another “Solutions” service popular with AFT clients is offshore consolidation of shipments to ensure that materials are shipped together in dedicated containers. Critical items can be dual sourced both domestic and import to avoid interruption of supply and maintain a low risk supply chain. AFT also holds a buffer stock in our domestic warehouse if needed.

AFT Fasteners is a fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. AFT also supplies high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. AFT serves customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows them to provide expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact AFT's professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with a successful International Solutions program.

- AFT Team

Trailer manufacturers and trailer parts providers of all types are preparing to exhibit at this year's 2012 NATM Convention. This year's Expo will be held at the popular Fort Worth Convention Center. This facility is well equipped to provide a pleasant and enthralling venue right in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. Early registration will begin online and will start in person on Tuesday, February 7th at 7pm in the Fort Worth Convention Center.

AFT Fasteners supports this year's format of enhanced workshops that will continue through the week and provide excellent information on such topics as “Business Operations”, which will include “The Art of Execution” and “Canadian Transport”. Other workshops will include more technical topics such as “Structural Adhesive Solutions for Trailer Fabrication”, “Transportation Logistics”, “Galvanic Corrosion” and a great presentation by Ron Black, of The Mentor Group on “Business to Business Negotiating Skills: Creating Profitable, Long-term Business Solutions”.

Along with workshops there will, of course, be the main topic of this year's NATM Convention: vendors bringing their products to market and making contacts who share a common interest in building safe, efficient and profitable trailers. AFT Fasteners is a Texas based fastener manufacturing, importing, distribution, plating and industrial services company “All-in-One”, offering turn-key cost effective solutions to our customers. We supply high-quality standard, non-standard and specialty fasteners and hardware products. We serve our customers with sales and distribution centers throughout the United States, and this allows us to provide expedited domestic or global sourcing. Please contact our professional sales staff at info@aft-corp.com or call (877) 844-8595 for information on how AFT Fasteners can provide your business with successful trailer manufacturing solutions.

Maintenance, Repair, Operations (MRO) items are supplies consumed in the production process but which do not either become part of the end product or are not central to the firm's output. MRO items include consumables, industrial equipment, plant upkeep supplies and even computer equipment. These types of items range from safety equipment, cleaning materials, laboratory and office supplies, compressors, pumps, valves, gaskets, lubricants, repair tools, and even computer equipment and supplies.

The economics of ordering MRO materials and the decisions on how to save money by consolidating the vendors involved in this order process is an ongoing science. For 2012, AFT Fasteners has dedicated copious resources to the science of saving businesses money. By consolidating the MRO shopping process into a “One Stop Shop”, AFT Fasteners has allowed MRO purchasers to save time. The goal is to provide the most comprehensive vendor line-up in the world of MRO supplies. There are numerous factors in deciding upon an MRO provider and one of the most critical is the availability of products and the “speed of delivery”.

Availability and “speed of delivery” are greatly increased by AFT Fastener's ability to drop ship items from 19 locations in the United States. Just a few of these new locations for 2012 include Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Grand Rapids, Harrisburg, Houston, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Orlando, Pittsburgh and Portland. These warehouses contain over 60,000 individual SKU items for maximum availability and rapid delivery. Now you can order an item from your location and not worry about it being organized and shipped from across the United States. These efficient and clean warehouses offer JIT ordering and help keep your company's inventory right where it needs to be.

As the new year progresses AFT Fasteners will be analyzing companies' needs and what items they order to make sure that the most popular MRO and Safety Supply items are maintained for production and manufacturing needs. AFT Fasteners is a global provider for fasteners, metal plating, industrial components, petrochemical hardware, kitting and warehousing services. If your company needs a resource for these services or has any questions about industrial solutions, then please contact AFT Fasteners online or call toll free at 877-844-8595. Their sales staff and operators are excited to help your company save money and succeed.

AFT Fasteners' customized products and programs have now been made available to domestic and international customers to lower their material, labor, inventory, storage and fabrication costs. AFT Fasteners has increased their warehouse spaces, increased inventory control capabilities and added more warehouse personnel experienced in today's high-tech management systems. Other production services that AFT's customers benefit from are hardware kitting and fastener modification, fabrication and  plating.

Warehousing and inventory services are implementations that improve shipping as well as inventory costs and price control. Automated systems like JIT, KanBan, VMI and EDI offer inventory counts and ordering times for needed parts without the potential for manual mistakes. AFT is offering solutions for customers who need their specialty parts imported, modified, plated and then stored in a safe, secure warehouse environment.

Manufacturers are often unaware of the benefits of having “kitted” parts and hardware. Benefits afforded to those who use kitting services are easy ordering of parts with one “kit” number versus multiple part numbers. Invoicing is also easier because of the fewer part numbers and tracking requirements. Production is improved since all of the pre-approved parts are in one assembly location. Waste is also reduced since the parts are packed together instead of individual wrappings. Parts costs are lowered as well, due to the ability to order in bulk and package accordingly.

AFT Fasteners also does hardware modification and fabrication. Just a few of the most common procedures include: fastener drilling, cutting, end slotting and thread locking. These capabilities, along with an in-house metal plating and coating facility,  provide a one-stop production capability that few solutions providers offer. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

In recent years AFT, Automated Finishing Technology, has grown from a small North Texas business to an international importer/exporter of quality standard and non-standard fasteners, mechanical components and manufacturing industry services. One of their most recent acquisitions is a dry film lube and Xylan® coating facility located in Arlington, Texas. Proven business practices and management models have already lifted the local business to the international stage in the electroplating and fastener distribution fields.
AFT has already started enjoying great success with this new facility by quickly establishing a diverse customer base. These customers are receiving excellent coated products to meet their wide diversity of manufacturing needs and specifications. Dry film lubricants start out as high performance, paint-like coatings consisting of fine particles of lubricating pigments blended with a binder and special additives. After application and proper curing, these lubricants bond to the surface of the ware, and form a solid film, which reduces friction, and greatly increases wear life. Many dry film lubricants also contain special rust inhibitors which offer exceptional corrosion protection in harsh environments. Dry film lubricants contain special pigments that reduce friction and wear by preventing surface-to-surface contact between mating parts (i.e., a shaft and its bearings). Performance properties vary depending on the specific lubricating pigment used. Some offer excellent lubrication and corrosion protection, while others operate at high temperatures. Some are formulated for use in extreme environments and can withstand nuclear radiation. A few applications of dry film uses are: parts usage in corrosive atmospheres, protection for stored parts, parts requiring permanent lubrication, parts subject to frequent disassembly, fretting and galling protection and ease of release assistance.
Xylan® and wet paint applications can also be matched to a wide diversity of colors and specifications. Xylan® is the umbrella trademark for most of the Whitford fluoropolymer coatings line. Xylan® is comprised of low friction, wear resistant composites of fluoropolymers and reinforcing binder resins. There is a wide range of Xylan® coatings available in one, two, and three coat conventional and reinforced non-sticks. The fluoropolymers utilized in Xylan® coatings consist of PTFE, PFA, and FEP.
Automated Finishing Technologies has years of experience in fastener and parts electro-plating and metal coatings and specialize in black oxide, copper, e-nickel, silver, zinc, zinc phosphate, cadmium and more. AFT also is related to AFT Fasteners which provides high quality fasteners, components, inventory control, kitting services and fastener manufacturing and modifications. These companies are no strangers to meeting the most stringent manufacturing specifications. For more information regarding metal plating, Xylan® and other coatings – visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form.

- AFT Team

The Dallas Regional Chamber is the area's leading membership-driven business organization committed to promoting economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in public education, influencing public policy, and catalyzing and advocating for regional partnerships. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization comprising businesses representing all facets of the North Texas business community.

AFT Fasteners joins the Dallas Chamber of Commerce's mission of accomplishing successful business practices and leadership in Dallas and North Texas. Not only is AFT Fasteners a North Texas business leader but is also a national and international business partner which supports local labor and goods deliverable to numerous states and countries.

AFT Fasteners embodies the spirit in which the Dallas Chamber of Commerce promotes success. Being part of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce allows AFT Fasteners access to information, professional development & networking, access to savings, visibility and leadership advocacy. For more information about AFT Fasteners and their line of top quality fasteners, construction and manufacturing hardware, please visit www.aftfasteners.com or call 877-844-8595. For more information about the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.dallaschamber.org.

- The AFT Team

TR Fastenings was founded by Mike Timms and Mike Roberts in the United Kingdom  in 1973. The TR Hank® Self Clinch Fasteners brand was established in 1988 and has since grown to be globally distributed for industries that range from mobile phone manufacturing to aircraft manufacturers. Self clinch fasteners are widely used as a fastening product when manufacturing thin sheet metal intensive products. These fasteners provide strong threads in sheet metals, require no “tapping” and provide high push-out and torque resistance. These are fasteners that are excellent when the manufacturing process does not provide easy access to the gripping side of a fastening point.

AFT Fasteners is already a trusted international source for numerous products, and they are excited to add these internationally certified self-clinching products to their expansive line up. This partnership creates a global force to compete against manufacturers like Captive Fastener Corporation and Penn Engineering. With a focus on product quality and availability, AFT and TR Fastenings will provide a wide variety of high quality, self-clinching fasteners at a competitive price. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

Cable Tie Express announces the addition of AFT Fasteners to its distribution and dealer network. These companies are setting the standard in customer satisfaction and confidence, as a prime source for standard and specialty cable ties, heat shrink tubing, mounting products, cable clamps, wire connectors, and installation tools.  Non-standard items and to-print specials are other needs they fulfill on a daily basis. Cable Tie Express continues to seek and add specialized products to its product offering to provide customers with additional solutions to meet all of their wire management requirements. AFT Fasteners stands by the Cable Tie Express motto: “Tying Service to Quality”. Cable Tie Express has a strong commitment to their mission statement which includes maintaining a varied and competitive product line, highest quality standards, unparalleled customer service and fanatical product knowledge.

AFT Fasteners is thrilled to offer cable ties, mounting hardware, heat shrink tubing and other mounting products offered by Cable Tie Express. Visit www.aftfasteners.com, call 877-844-8595 or feel free to use our "Contact Us" form for more information.

- AFT Team

Enjoy this brief video about Design2Part exhibits --

  

Going from a local metal plating company to an international success in the fastener distribution market takes a passion for success. AFT Industries has been a quality provider of metal plating, fastener importing-distribution, and industrial services for more than a decade now. Providing customers with a cost effective and profitable partnership has been the driving force behind their success. It is with great pride that they are announcing a broad expansion of services for the future. 

Recent events include the acquisition of a large distribution center in the heart of Dallas and Fort Worth's shipping community. This modern facility provides a great hub for global sourcing, timely shipping-receiving, inventory warehousing and a great environment for dedicated employees and staff to do business. New facilities were then added to increase capacities in metal plating, wet paint, dry film lube and Xylan® coatings.  To further meet customers' needs, AFT has amplified a global internet presence and global marketing strategy, making communications and requests for fastener pricing and availability easier than ever. Visit www.aftfasteners.com and take a virtual stroll through this user friendly web experience.

AFT announces specialized sales departments to cater to high-tech clients with needs in the electronic hardware, MIL-Spec/Aerospace, and industrial services arenas. Dedicated departments provide detail oriented hardware kitting services, fastener modifications, and industry targeted customer specifications. AFT also has recently opened a sales and support department in the greater Houston area. Look for their appearance at the Southwest Design2Part trade show, to be held at the Reliant Center on November 16th and 17th, 2011.

Maintaining profitable business relations in these economic times takes an attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction, now more than ever before. AFT's  expansion shows that being a dedicated, reliable and "forward thinking" solutions provider can be done and done right.

“Meeting a customer's needs is our number one goal, whether it is an everyday fastener request or a specialized international shipment. Satisfaction and building reliable relationships are AFT's primary objectives.” – Johnny Rose, President