Yet in some places – metaphorically speaking – the “last light bulb has been replaced.” The situation is similar for the joining technology experts at Arnold Umformtechnik. Added to this is the fact that, as a component supplier, they have a direct influence on only a small single-digit percentage of CO2 emissions within the entire value chain. They are dependent on steel suppliers, and as long as steel is not produced sustainably, this naturally accounts for the largest share of emissions in the overall process. However, medium-sized companies have virtually no influence over further developments in the field of green steel. Because sustainability has always been a key concern for the joining experts – the first factory in an existing mill already used hydropower to drive the machines—the company is on the lookout for further savings opportunities within its sphere of influence. One starting point was found among their customers, most of whom are in the automotive industry. Through co-engineering services, the joining experts support their customers in reducing CO2 emissions.
Cold forming saves material and energy
This becomes clear with a simple example: the production of fasteners and multifunctional parts via cold forming instead of machining. This is interesting because cold forming removes almost no raw material (e.g., steel), meaning that virtually only the volume ultimately contained in the fastener is required. Although the steel removed during machining is reused—meaning no material is wasted—the energy and logistics required for reprocessing the chips are not negligible. Depending on the complexity of the parts, cold forming can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 45 percent. At the same time, cold-formed fasteners offer tolerances that differ only slightly from those of machined parts. This is where co-engineering comes into play. If the mating part for the fastener is designed accordingly during development, cold-formed fasteners can create connections that are just as secure and durable as those made with conventional solutions.
Cold forming versus machining saves 64 percent in material and 45 percent in CO2 emissions.
Michael Pult, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at ARNOLD, explains: “This type of cooperation naturally requires mutual trust. Since we have been working with many of our customers for decades and are listed as a preferred supplier by many automakers, we have earned this trust in many places.” Co-engineering opens up further opportunities for cost savings. If you bring in a fastening technology expert right from the start of the development process, they can use their calculation and simulation tools to identify applications where, for example, an M8 screw can be replaced with an M7 screw. Sound trivial? Given the volume of screws used and the energy footprint of currently produced steel, this is anything but negligible.
Michael Pult, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at ARNOLD, explains: “Co-engineering naturally requires mutual trust. Since we have been working with many of our customers for decades and are listed as a preferred supplier by many automakers, we have earned that trust in many places
The ARNOLD GROUP – BlueFastening Systems
Since 1898, the ARNOLD GROUP has been a global leader in intelligent and forward-looking fastening technology. Drawing on decades of expertise in the production of highly complex extruded parts and innovative fasteners, ARNOLD has long established itself as a comprehensive system provider and development partner for holistic fastening solutions.
For more than 30 years, ARNOLD has also been offering machine and processing technology for the automated assembly of fasteners – tailored to individual customer requirements, efficient, and reliable.
The BlueFastening Systems philosophy underscores this holistic approach: The close integration of engineering, high-quality fasteners, precision functional parts, and state-of-the-art feeding and processing technology ensures maximum efficiency, sustainability, and global innovative strength – all from a single source.
Since 1994, ARNOLD has been part of the Würth Group and is driving the future of fastening technology with the highest precision and innovative strength.
