Category Archives: Manufacturing

American Manufacturing, Manufacturing, News

Rush Work for the Holidays

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It’s that time of the season when the work comes to almost a stand still. Yes, it is the holiday season, and it is the best of the times, as well as the worst of the times for the retailers and manufacturers. It is the best time because everyone is busy, and the economy is good, but on the downside the capacity to meet the demands becomes tight. This is because of the congestion in the ports at Long Beach and Seattle, and due to this congestion, the containers are stuck in the port for weeks. This results in the disruption of the supply chain and hence the retailers and manufacturers are unable to meet the demands. This is where Chicago Nut and Bolt plays the role. We help people get out of trouble. Our reputation is built on flexible and attentive fastener supply services rendered to meet the needs of customers all over the world.

At Chicago Nut and Bolt we undertake delivery of emergency orders for custom fasteners, custom bolts, custom nuts, and custom screws quickly, in compliance with all specifications. Despite the standard delivery time of one week, we can accommodate emergency custom orders overnight or within a few hours. As soon as the request is received by the CNB representative or engineer through fax or email, the pricing as well as delivery information is sent to the customer within minutes. The order is then sent to the customer and is tracked right from the production to packaging to final shipment.

We know that finding a manufacturer to produce a custom part is hard, but we can produce the part and deliver it when you need it. Though we carry standard fasteners all the time as a custom fastener manufacturer, we focus on producing the right part to meet the requirements of our customers.

Custom Bolts | Custom Fasteners | Chicago Bolts | Special Bolts | Large Diameter Bolts | Custom Nuts | Special Nuts | Special Fasteners

American Manufacturing, Manufacturing

Benefits of Custom Bolts in the USA

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For many years now, American companies have been sending manufacturing work overseas to countries with lower labor costs. The conventional wisdom is that the substantially reduced labor costs seen in countries like China, Vietnam or the Philippines will translate into cheaper price tags on consumer goods like smart phones, LED TVs, dishwashers and the like.

Lately, however, an increasing number of American companies are “re-shoring” this labor back to the U.S., returning home much manufacturing in order to enjoy cost-savings due to factors other than just labor costs. In places such as China there are now intense pressures to increase wages and this, together with increasing transportation costs and general inefficiencies inherent in emerging economies, has created a climate in which many of these U.S, companies feel it is time to bring production back to America.

Indeed, more than 200 companies have restored their operations to the U.S. over the past few years, and there has also been a marked increase in the number of firms seriously considering a similar move. One big incentive is simply proximity- If a company has engineers and qualified workers at home along with its customer base, it makes sense to take advantage of a shorter supply chain. Other savings come from shipping savings and from “JIT” or “Just in Time” inventory strategies that companies employ to increase efficiency by receiving goods as needed in their production process.

At Chicago Nut & Bolt, we are ideally situated and qualified to fully take advantage of this new trend is We are the number one choice for all custom fasteners, be it single quantities or hundreds of thousands of pieces at a time. Take advantage of the home-grown, just-in-time American manufacturing prowess of Chicago Nut & Bolt and see that when time, quality, and expertise is crucial, you will be amply rewarded with Chicago Nut & Bolt every time and on time!

Custom Bolts | Custom Fasteners | Chicago Bolts | Special Bolts | Large Diameter Bolts | Custom Nuts | Special Nuts | Special Fasteners

American Manufacturing, Fasteners and Agriculture, Fasteners and Alloys, Fasteners and Mining, Manufacturing, News

The Golden Bolt

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As the number one source for custom fasteners, special bolts, standard fasteners and bolts, we play an integral part in the production process for our customers. We’re consistently called upon for custom nuts, bolts, and other products that are necessary to keep production running smoothly and efficiently. We’re so focused on providing our customers with the necessary products for their success that we continue to specialize in custom made products.

Countless manufacturers around the world are constantly creating, producing, and distributing products that are complex and require hundreds and sometimes even thousands of pieces. But did you know that bolts and related products usually only make up approximately three percent of the end cost of an item?

Think about this: A company is manufacturing huge industrial tractors for use in the agriculture industry. Thousands of pieces are needed to complete each tractor, including various metals, wheels, and other components. But in order for the tractor to be completed safely and efficiently, a number of important parts are necessary, including custom or off the shelf nuts and bolts.

At Chicago Nut and Bolt we offer our customers custom and off the shelf nut and bolt components quickly, efficiently, and conveniently. We know that keeping your production process moving smoothly and on schedule is important. Contact us to learn more about our emergency order services and more custom capabilities. We’re experts when it comes to custom nuts, bolts, and the important golden bolt in your production process.

Custom Bolts | Custom Fasteners | Chicago Bolts | Special Bolts | Large Diameter Bolts | Custom Nuts | Special Nuts | Special Fasteners

American Manufacturing, Manufacturing

The Current Manufacturing Climate in America

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In recent years, manufacturing in America has seen frequent changes and advancements and is slated for even more positive changes that will impact the economy, employment, production, and more. Currently, many American manufacturers are experiencing reshoring. Reshoring is usually when a company brings back their production to the United States and hires American workers which boosts our nation’s economic activity and portrays manufacturing in a favorable light. A number of factors are contributing to the growth of manufacturing in America and the positive economic implications it is having.

Manufacturers were responsible for adding $208 trillion to our nation’s economy in 2013, an increase from $2.03 trillion in 2012. Additionally, manufacturers directly and indirectly employ approximately 17.4 million people, making a huge different in the national employment rate. Manufacturers will also closely examine the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) to gauge the economic health of the manufacturing industry. For example, a PMI greater than 50 can mean that the manufacturing sector is growing from the previous month, while a PMI below 50 can signal that the manufacturing industry is shrinking. For the month of August, the PMI was at 59%, signaling a period of growth.

As a leading manufacturer of custom high quality fastener products, we constantly follow the PMI and other manufacturing data to stay current on our nation’s manufacturing climate. Different manufacturers, companies, and organizations rely on our custom fasteners, products, and warehouse services so that they can manage their business efficiently and effectively.

To celebrate the America’s wonderful manufacturing sector, manufacturing day will be on October 3. Various businesses, companies, schools, and organizations throughout the country will be opening their facilities to the public to educate guests about manufacturing and the positive impacts it can have on our country. Click here to learn more about manufacturing day and to find an event near you.

American Manufacturing, Fasteners and Mining, Manufacturing

Product Customization and Fast Delivery

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We have been a leader in high quality fastener products for many years and continue to lead the industry with our custom made products and services. Our team’s only goal is to provide our customers with the highest quality custom bolts and fasteners within a quick and efficient time period. Unlike other distributors and custom bolt manufacturers, we can work within your timeframe and meet your strict deadlines.

When a customer or potential customer contacts us about a possible order, we immediately begin our work. A customer will usually send us a blueprint and other necessary components for the manufacturing process. Our experienced and knowledgeable team will then determine how to properly and efficiently manufacture the customer’s part based on their unique and specific needs.

Because we have a smart and highly capable staff, high quality equipment, and an established business, we are able to provide our customers with a fast turnaround period, significantly quicker than our competitors. For example, one of our recent projects involved a customer placing an order for a customized product that another company promised to deliver within four to six weeks. We were able to manufacture and deliver a higher quality product in less than two weeks.

We know that time is incredibly valuable to you and your business. We strive to provide you with the fastest turnaround time possible, while also utilizing our in-house quality control lab to ensure all of our products are consistently held to high standards and all proper ISO certifications. Furthermore, our manufacturing processes and procedures have been audited and maintained for many years so that we can continue to manufacture and ship the products that our customers expect.

Ultimately, we are a company that is 100% focused on what our customers need. Our staff works tirelessly to produce the best products in a timely manner. The number one focus at Chicago Nut and Bolt is custom quality and speed. Learn more about our custom bolt and custom fastener capabilities.

Fasteners and Agriculture, Manufacturing

Keeping America’s Agricultural Industry Moving Forward: One Bolt at a Time

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The end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 has been a wildly unpredictable time for the agricultural industry. Certainly, the number one reason has been the weather. In the West, drought conditions have been constant, long lasting, and brutal. In fact, for the first time in 15 years, drought conditions cover 100% of California, according to The Atlantic. In stark contrast, much of the rest of the country was slammed by a long and bitter winter that saw record-setting low temperatures and snowfall, which in turn delayed planting and fieldwork across the U.S.

At Chicago Nut and Bolt, thanks to our years of experience and our location in the heart of the Midwest, we know a thing or two about the agricultural industry. For over 25 years, Chicago Nut and Bolt has been supplying some of the biggest names in the agricultural equipment industry with industrial fastener products. Our high-quality parts find their way into the tractors, plows, and other heavy equipment that keep farmers in business. Each year, we fill many orders for parts, including custom bolts for some of the largest farm equipment on the market.

While it is true that our parts usually only make up 3% of the total cost of building a machine, they could not be more critical. If even one bolt is the wrong size or doesn’t arrive on time, it can ruin the production of an entire machine! Our goal is to work closely with our agricultural manufacturing customers to guarantee they never experience a single minute of downtime from a faulty or missing fastener.

So as this year’s spring planting season struggles to get underway, you can be sure that Chicago Nut and Bolt is running at full capacity to make sure when it is time to go, our agricultural clients will be prepared.

American Manufacturing, Manufacturing

The American Manufacturing Renaissance: Is it Real?

15,038 Comments

Did you know that in the last three years, reshoring added over 100,000 jobs in the U.S.? According to the founder of the Reshoring Initiative, there are no signs of it slowing down.

In the past, we’ve written about American manufacturing’s comeback. In posts such as this one, we talked about some of the reasons behind the recovery—reasons that include the country’s natural gas boom, competitive domestic labor prices (compared to rising overseas labor costs), and American-made quality.

Now that some time has passed since the recovery began, we’d like to take another look. Is the reshoring continuing? Has recovery remained steady? We believe it has, and so do many experts. In fact, many are using the word “renaissance.”

This article states that “There is indeed a renaissance in American manufacturing…and one that can still be a source of pride.” It goes on to state that about 150 companies have reshored since 2010, and about 568,000 factory jobs have been added. The numbers don’t lie. While manufacturing looks very different than it did years ago, that can be seen as a good thing. It’s now a hotbed of technology and innovation.

As a result, not only are companies actively reshoring, but products that were almost completely made outside of the U.S.—like appliances—are now being made here again. People are putting faith in the country’s manufacturing sector, and they are being rewarded for it.

Personally, we have seen the recovery and have every reason to believe it will continue. We are seeing continued interest in American-made products, and have experienced an increase in business as a result.

We are a proud American manufacturer—proud of the products we make and proud of the industry as a whole—and we are happy to see that we certainly aren’t the only ones.

 

Fasteners and Mining, Manufacturing

Custom Fasteners for the Unique Needs of the Mining Industry

13,122 Comments

One of the many advantages of being a custom fastener manufacturer is that we are able to meet specific, challenging, and often changing needs within the industries we work with. We know that fastener requirements can be quite unique, and we also know that as industries change and grow, so do their needs.

We have provided custom fasteners for the mining industry for many years, and have seen the changes take place. Currently, a lot of mining is happening in the oil sands of Wyoming and Canada, which is currently a hot bed of mining activity. The industry has developed new, innovative techniques to extract oil from these sands, and as a result, there are new equipment needs.

We’re currently working with many mining equipment manufacturers, producing larger custom fasteners for their bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and large mining trucks—all of the machinery used in the active oil sands arena. Oftentimes, within this area, larger sized fasteners are needed for parts. For example, a recent project we worked on involved bolts that weighed 60 pounds each.Large custom mining bolts

As custom manufacturers experienced in adaptation, we are regularly engineering our fasteners specifically to these applications and requirements, fabricating them to not only fit the larger sizes, but also choosing materials that are high strength and able to perform in the temperature extremes of these environments. In fact, this particular market is a niche for us—typically large parts and shorter run productions—and we’re able to meet these needs, no matter how challenging or unique.

2013 was a down year, but as industries are changing and growing, we’ve seen a significant increase in the start of 2014, and we expect to continue seeing this. We look forward to continuing to meet the needs of the mining industry, and all industries we serve.

Fasteners and Mining, Manufacturing

Minding the Right Mining Fasteners

4,972 Comments

It comes as no surprise to those in the industry that mining is a rugged occupation with extreme temperatures and can take place anywhere in the world. Because of this, it’s essential that all mining equipment remains in peak condition. Custom fasteners are a critical component to the mining industry. They are used in a variety of applications such as:

  • New construction of mine shafts as well as the ongoing maintenance of these underground mine shafts.
  • Heavy-duty large scale dump trucks, large excavating equipment, bulldozers, and other earth-moving equipment.
  • Exhaust systems that take out bad air laced with CO2 and bring in fresh air to the mines.

Mining is a rugged operation and includes very high powered equipment in actual mining operations as well as the movement of the products. To be sure that all fasteners are in working order, it is imperative that inspection of fasteners be a critical part of ongoing maintenance on mines. Mine inspectors should be certain to look for potential joint failure to avoid dangerous situations.

Due to the rugged conditions of mining, the low temperature environments and the volume of vibration within mines, nut and bolt systems can often become loose or lead to a weakening of the structure of the mine.

Many of the bolts used in the mining industry are highly customized for the application that they are used in and are often made of high strength alloy steel. These are very large bolts that in some cases may weigh as much as 30 lbs. each. They must have tight tolerances and are made to very exacting specifications.

Chicago Nut & Bolt has been supplying fasteners to the mining industry for many years. If there is a breakdown in the field, we can provide replacements within 24 hours. Our engineers understand the importance of fasteners in the mining industry and we are here to make the mining process as seamless as possible.

Fasteners and Alloys, Manufacturing

Get Low: Finding Fasteners for Low Temperature Applications

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With the holidays upon us and the winter season approaching, it’s time to begin thinking about the colder weather. In our business, that means evaluating how fasteners will withstand the cold temperatures while maintaining their strength. Take, for example, Santa’s sleigh—all of the sleigh’s components need to handle the low temperatures, cold winds, and snow-covered roofs that they will be facing. What exactly needs to go into the design and development of these components?

When it comes to producing fasteners for low temperature applications, we focus on the alloys of the parts. Typically, the materials meet ASTM A320 specifications, meaning they are usually alloy steel or stainless steel and conform to a certain chemical composition. This enables them to maintain specific characteristics they need to work in the cold, including corrosion resistance, tensile strength, and ductility.

Maintaining certain strength is essential in low temperature applications. Santa’s sleigh needs to stay aloft, pipeline uses need to remain intact, ski lifts or ski towers need to remain standing. Whatever the application, structures that are exposed to low and harsh temperatures need to be ductile and secure. For these applications, strong alloys, such as steel or stainless steel, are usually options that stand strong.