MF Supply Is Now an Authorized Nord-Lock® Distributor!

Posted: March 4, 2025 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Custom Fasteners per print, Distributor, Domestic Fasteners, Fasteners, Mil-Spec, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Nord-Lock, Supply chain - manufacturing, Threaded Fasteners, Washers, Wedge Lock | Tags: aerospace, architectural metal and glass, contract manufacturers, equipment and machines, Fastener Sourcing Experts, Fasteners Distributor, Fasteners Supplier, Industrial Manufacturing, MF Supply is a Nord Lock distributor, Nord Lock Washers, Nord-Lock Distributor, Nord-Lock Wedge Locking Washers, OEMS of instrumentation, sheet metal fabrication, Wedge Lock Washers | Leave a comment

MF Supply, a leading New Jersey-based WBE/SBE certified distributor and fastener sourcing expert, is thrilled to announce a significant expansion of our product line through a new partnership with Nord-Lock®, making us an authorized distributor. This expansion complements our vast range of commercial, mil-spec, domestic, and OEM branded fasteners, aligning with our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the precision manufacturing industry.

Explore Nord-Lock’s Advanced Bolting Solutions

With over 35 years of expertise, Nord-Lock specializes in washers that ensure bolted joints remain secure under challenging conditions. Their innovative products range, available for RFQ directly on our website, includes:

Wedge-Lock Washers: These are crafted to effectively secure bolted joints using tension, ideal for heavy machinery and transportation sectors.
X-Series Washers: Combining wedge-locking with a spring effect, these washers address issues like thermal cycling and dynamic loads.
Superbolt Tensioners: Simplify the tightening of large bolts, enhancing both efficiency and safety during installations.
SC-Washers: Designed specifically for structural steel applications, they ensure optimal load distribution and are compliant with European standards.

MF Supply Expanding to Meet Industry Demands

This partnership with Nord-Lock adds to our recent catalog update, which now features over 43,928 unique items, including threaded and helical inserts, specialty bolts, socket cap screws, Acme, Captive, EZ-Lok and Holo-Krome branded products. Our expansion into Nord-Lock products supports industries such as aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, providing our clients with top-tier, reliable fastening solutions.

By bolstering our product offering in these key areas, we aim to be the preferred supplier for manufacturers in various sectors, including: aerospace, OEMS of instrumentation, equipment and machines, architectural metal and glass, sheet metal fabrication, contract manufacturers, lighting, furniture, and elevators.

Manufacturers working with us can expect timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and access to expert guidance to help optimize their fastener choices. Manufacturers eager to explore our product catalog, including our recently expanded product categories, are encouraged to visit our website at www.mfsupply.com, reach out to us at sales@mfsupply.com or request a quote. Our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!

Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.

Your Purchasing Department’s Secret Weapon!
Here are 5 reasons to buy from MF Supply

We Source and Deliver What Others Can’t, Faster Than You Imagined – With speedy solutions for elusive parts and lengthy delivery times – We’ve got you covered with both custom-made specials (send us your prints!) and hard-to-source options, quickly and at a fair price.
Cost-Effective Functional Equivalents to OEM Brand Fasteners-Why Pay More? – Reduce lead times and costs with the same quality and same performance. Try us for alternatives to brands like McMaster-Carr, MSC, Misumi, PEM, and RAF and experience unmatched savings! Same form, fit and function for less.
Huge Selection of Certified and Commercial Hardware with Same-day Shipping Available for Countless Items – We source and stock standards, specials, commercial, Mil-Spec & OEM brands in inch and metric sizes. Standards include AN, NAS, MS, IFI, ASTM, ASME, DIN, ISO, JIS. We are sourcing experts for inserts, certified Mil-Spec parts and anything in stainless steel. Many parts are available with manufacturers’ certifications, including DFAR, ROHS and CoC. Trust us to ship on-time from our national distribution centers.
A User-Friendly, 24/7 Online Shopping Experience – Enjoy a 24/7 online shopping experience with easy-to-use filters, detailed product information, and a constantly updated technical directory. Sign up now for a seamless experience!
WBE/WOSB Certified Woman-Owned Small Business – As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, we support your diversity goals. Trust us to meet your fastener and sourcing needs with expertise and efficiency [Cage Code 58QG4].

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.

MF Supply Recertified as a Small Woman-Owned Business Enterprise!

Posted: January 22, 2025 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Custom Fasteners per print, Domestic Fasteners, Electronic Hardware, Fasteners, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Panel Fasteners, Supply chain - manufacturing | Tags: Certifications, Fasteners, Fasteners Distributor, Fasteners Supplier, Hardware, Inclusion & Diversity, MF Supply Recertified, Mil-spec fasteners, Military Fasteners, SBE, Small Business Enterprise, Supply Chain Partner, WBE, Women Owned Business | Leave a comment

MF Supply, a leading distributor of fasteners and hardware, is proud to announce that we have successfully been recertified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by the state of New Jersey. This certification reaffirms MF Supply’s commitment to providing high-quality products while fostering diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

How Does This Benefits You

Meet Your Diversity Goals: As a certified WBE and SBE supplier, we can help your business fulfill inclusion and diversity requirements while ensuring top-tier service and reliability.
Hard-to-Find Parts? Solved! From mil-spec fasteners to custom hardware, we specialize in sourcing hard-to-find components like Keensert® style key-locking inserts, helical inserts, dowel pins, socket head cap screws and more—all with precision and speed.
Decades of Expertise: Partner with a team that understands your needs. Whether it’s aerospace engineering, manufacturing, or government projects, we act as an extension of your purchasing departments providing lightning-fast responses, direct support, and competitive pricing.

Why Choose MF Supply?

With 50 years of fastener experience, we offer lightning-fast responses, direct phone support, free samples, and act as an extension of your team. We are fastener & sourcing experts, so you don’t have to be. With vast experience as a leading supplier and distributor of commercial and Mil-Spec fasteners, both in inch and metric sizes, we excel in providing:

A vast inventory of certified and commercial hardware with same-day shipping available.
Cost-effective solutions for OEM brand equivalents like McMaster-Carr, PEM, and RAF.
24/7 online shopping with a user-friendly experience at www.mfsupply.com.

Featured Products:

Some of our featured product lines include:

Manufacturers working with us can expect timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and access to expert guidance to help optimize their fastener choices. Visit our website, Connect with our team or send us a request for quote and our team of sourcing experts will help you find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!

Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.

Your Purchasing Department’s Secret Weapon!
Here are 5 reasons to buy from MF Supply

We Source and Deliver What Others Can’t, Faster Than You Imagined – With speedy solutions for elusive parts and lengthy delivery times – We’ve got you covered with both custom-made specials (send us your prints!) and hard-to-source options, quickly and at a fair price.
Cost-Effective Functional Equivalents to OEM Brand Fasteners-Why Pay More? – Reduce lead times and costs with the same quality and same performance. Try us for alternatives to brands like McMaster-Carr, MSC, Misumi, PEM, and RAF and experience unmatched savings! Same form, fit and function for less.
Huge Selection of Certified and Commercial Hardware with Same-day Shipping Available for Countless Items – We source and stock standards, specials, commercial, Mil-Spec & OEM brands in inch and metric sizes. Standards include AN, NAS, MS, IFI, ASTM, ASME, DIN, ISO, JIS. We are sourcing experts for inserts, certified Mil-Spec parts and anything in stainless steel. Many parts are available with manufacturers’ certifications, including DFAR, ROHS and CoC. Trust us to ship on-time from our national distribution centers.
A User-Friendly, 24/7 Online Shopping Experience – Enjoy a 24/7 online shopping experience with easy-to-use filters, detailed product information, and a constantly updated technical directory. Sign up now for a seamless experience!
WBE/WOSB Certified Woman-Owned Small Business – As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, we support your diversity goals. Trust us to meet your fastener and sourcing needs with expertise and efficiency [Cage Code 58QG4].

Over 2,600 TEK® Alternative Self Drilling Screws Now In Stock At MF Supply!

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: DFARS, Fasteners, Manufacturing Day, Self Drill Machine Screws, Self Drilling Screws, Self-drilling, Supply chain - manufacturing, Threaded Fasteners | Tags: Distributor, MF Supply, Screws, Self Drill Drywall Screws, Self Drill Machine Screws, Self Drill Screws, Self Drilling Screws, Self-Drilling Screws, TEK® Alternative Self Drilling Screws, TEK® Alternative Self-Drilling Screws | Leave a comment

Greetings to our precision manufacturing community!

MF Supply is a leading WOSB / WBE Certified distributor of commercial, mil-spec and custom made fasteners. With a legacy of over 50 years, and a reputation for continuously evolving to meet our customers’ needs, we are thrilled to announce another expansion to our online products’ catalog. This recent expansion include an extensive list of 2,690 unique TEK® alternative self drilling screws in a myriad of drives, head styles, sizes and materials.

We are always evolving and looking for ways to meet the changing needs of manufacturers. With this strategic expansion, we underscore our commitment to be a comprehensive one-stop shop for commercial and mil-spec fasteners and hardware for industrial and precision manufacturers—while also ensuring our customers have a seamless and efficient purchasing experience both online and offline!

TEK® Alternative Self Drilling Screws at MF Supply

We have always stocked and sourced a variety of imported, domestic and mil-spec screws. We are proud to announce the inclusion of self-drilling screws—generic alternatives to the well known TEK® screws—in standard and nonstandard sizes, and in a variety of standard and exotic materials. Our off-the-shelf products include #2 through #3/8-12 Self Drilling Screws in Steel Zinc and Bake, Steel Black Phosphate, Steel Black Oxide & Oil, Steel Black Zinc & Bake, Steel Green Ceramic, Steel Zinc Nickel 1,000 Hours Salt Spray, Steel Black Oxide, Steel Black Zinc Nickel 1,000 Hour Salt Spray, Steel Zinc Green, Steel Zinc Yellow, Stainless Steel, 410 Stainless Steel & 316 Stainless Steel.

Below is a list of all the heads and drives included in this TEK® alternative self drilling screws’ list:

#10 Flat Undercut Head with Phillips Drive
#12 Indented Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
#6 Flat 82D Head with Phillips Drive
#6 Oval Head with Phillips Drive
Bugle Head with Phillips Drive
Flat 82D Head with Combo (Square/Phillips) Drive
Flat 82D Head with Phillips Drive
Flat 82D Head with Square Drive
Flat 82D Head with Torx Drive
Flat 82D Undercut Head with Phillips Drive
Flat 82D Undercut Head with Square Drive
Flat 82D with Nibs Head with Phillips Drive
Flat Trim Head with Phillips Drive
Flat Trim Head with Square Drive
Hex Flange Head with Unslotted Drive
Indented Hex Head with Unslotted Drive
Indented Hex Washer Head with Combo (Slotted/Phillips) Drive
Indented Hex Washer Head with Phillips Drive
Indented Hex Washer Head with Slotted Drive
Indented Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
Indented High Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
Large Pancake Head with Square Drive
Modified Truss Head with Phillips Drive
Modified Truss Head with Square Drive
Modified Truss Head with Torx Drive
Oval Head with Phillips Drive
Oval Undercut Head with Phillips Drive
Pan Head with Combo (Slotted/Phillips) Drive
Pan Head with Phillips Drive
Pan Head with Square Drive Pan
Head with Torx Drive
Pancake Head with Combo (Square/Phillips) Drive
Pancake Head with Phillips Drive
Pancake Head with Square Drive
Pancake Head with Torx Drive
Round Washer Head with Phillips Drive
Round Washer Head with Square Drive
Serrated Indented Hex Washer Head with Slotted Drive
Serrated Indented Hex Washer Head with Torx Drive
Serrated Indented Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
Serrated Indented High Hex Washer Head with Unslotted Drive
Serrated Pan Head with Phillips Drive
Serrated Pan Head with Torx Drive
Special Pan Head with Phillips Drive
Truss Head with Phillips Drive
Truss Head with Torx Drive
Wafer Head with Combo (Square/Phillips) Drive
Wafer Head with Phillips Drive
Wafer Head with Square Drive
Wafer Head with Torx Drive
Wafer With Nibs Head with Phillips Drive

By bolstering our product offering in these key areas, we aim to be the preferred supplier for manufacturers in various sectors, including: aerospace, OEMS of instrumentation, equipment and machines, architectural metal and glass, sheet metal fabrication, contract manufacturers, lighting, furniture, and elevators.

Manufacturers working with us can expect timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and access to expert guidance to help optimize their fastener choices. Manufacturers eager to explore our product catalog, including our recently expanded product categories, are encouraged to visit our website at www.mfsupply.com, reach out to us at sales@mfsupply.com or request a quote. Our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!

“At MF Supply, we understand the dynamic needs of the manufacturing industry, including the balance of price, quality, availability and certification paperwork. The expansion of our product catalog demonstrates our commitment to being a one-stop solution for all fastener needs. Whether it’s standard fasteners, specialized custom hardware, mil-spec parts or OEM brand names like the trusted Holo-Krome brand, we have it all under one roof.” – Robin Lieberman, President of MF Supply.

Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.

Your Purchasing Department’s Secret Weapon!
Here are 5 reasons to buy from MF Supply

We Source and Deliver What Others Can’t, Faster Than You Imagined: With speedy solutions for elusive parts and lengthy delivery times – We’ve got you covered with both custom-made specials (send us your prints!) and hard-to-source options, quickly and at a fair price.
Cost-Effective Functional Equivalents to OEM Brand Fasteners-Why Pay More? Reduce lead times and costs with the same quality and same performance. Try us for alternatives to brands like McMaster-Carr, MSC, Misumi, PEM, and RAF and experience unmatched savings! Same form, fit and function for less.
Huge Selection of Certified and Commercial Hardware with Same-day Shipping Available for Countless Items: We source and stock standards, specials, commercial, Mil-Spec & OEM brands in inch and metric sizes. Standards include AN, NAS, MS, IFI, ASTM, ASME, DIN, ISO, JIS. We are sourcing experts for inserts, certified Mil-Spec parts and anything in stainless steel. Many parts are available with manufacturers’ certifications, including DFAR, ROHS and CoC. Trust us to ship on-time from our national distribution centers.
A User-Friendly, 24/7 Online Shopping Experience – Enjoy a 24/7 online shopping experience with easy-to-use filters, detailed product information, and a constantly updated technical directory. Sign up now for a seamless experience!
WBE/WOSB Certified Woman-Owned Small Business: As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, we support your diversity goals. Trust us to meet your fastener and sourcing needs with expertise and efficiency [Cage Code 58QG4].

MF Supply Expands Online Product Catalog to 22,189 Unique Items and Counting!

Posted: October 26, 2023 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Bolts, DFARS, Fasteners, Holo-Krome, Mil-Spec, Plastite Alternative Screws, Socket Head Cap Screw, Supply chain - manufacturing, Taptite Alternative Screws, Threaded Fasteners, Trilobular Fasteners | Tags: Bent Anchor Bolts, Bolts, Carriage Bolts, Closed Eye Screws, Commercial Fasteners, Distributor, Elevator Bolts, Flange Bolts, Hanger Bolts, Heavy Hex Bolts, Heavy Hex Structural Bolts, Hex Head Cap Screws, Hex Head Joint Draw Bolts, Hex Machine Bolts, Hex Tap Bolts, Holo-krome, Industrial Manufacturers, Inserts, MF Supply, Mil-spec, Mil-spec fasteners, Open Eye Bolts, Plastite Alternative Screws, Plow Bolts, Precision Manufacturers, Socket Cap Screws, Sourcing Experts, Square Head Battery Bolts, Square Machine Bolts, Step Bolts, supply chain, Taptite Alternative Screws, Thread Forming Screws, Thread Rolling Screws, Timber Bolts, Track Bolts | Leave a comment

Greetings to our precision manufacturing community!

MF Supply is a leading WOSB / WBE Certified distributor of commercial, mil-spec and custom made fasteners. With a legacy of over half a century and a reputation for continuously evolving to meet our customers’ needs, we are thrilled to announce the recent expansion of our online catalog to include a whopping 22,189 unique items! Our updated catalog now includes Holo-Krome branded products, non-standard, domestic and DFAR Socket Cap Screws, an extensive list of Bolts, and more Thread Rolling & Thread Forming Screws.

We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of manufacturers. With this strategic expansion, we underscore our commitment to as a comprehensive one-stop shop for commercial and mil-spec fasteners and hardware for industrial and precision manufacturers, ensuring our customers have a seamless and efficient purchasing experience online and offline.

New Product Highlights:

1. Socket Cap Screws: We have always stocked and sourced a variety of imported, domestic and mil-spec socket cap screws. Our recent expansion in this category include standard and nonstandard sizes, and a variety of standard and exotic materials. We are now offering more Button Head, Flat Head, Flat Head 100 degree, Low Head and Standard Socket head cap screws in a wider choice of materials including: A286, Brass, Inconel, Silicon Bronze, and 316 Stainless Steel, in addition to regular Alloy and 18-8 Stainless Steel.

2. Bolts: Our selection of bolts has undergone a significant enhancement and now includes 18 Bolt categories, in multiple sizes and materials. Materials offered include Steel, B7 Alloy, Stainless Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Silicon Bronze, A2, A4, Brass, Inconel and Nickel-Copper. Our 18 bolts’ categories include:

3. Holo-Krome Products: We are proud to announce the inclusion of Holo-Krome brand fasteners to our catalog. Holo-Krome, a reputable domestic OEM, is well known for their extensive offering of quality products within the Socket Products segment. We introduce the following Holo-Krome products that are now available for purchase directly in our website: Dowel Pins, Hex Socket Shoulder Screws, Socket Cap Screws, Allenuts, Socket Jam Screws, Socket Pressure Plugs, and Socket Set Screws.

4. Thread Rolling / Thread Forming Screws: We also expanded our online offering to now include over 2.7K alternatives to Plastite® & Taptite® Screws. Our recent expansion in this category include more Steel, Black Oxide and Stainless Steel screws. Our off the shelf products are ready to ship from multiple warehouses across the USA, and include:

Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.

Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply

Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.

MF Supply Launches New Product Filter! (Refreshed for 2023)

Posted: February 7, 2023 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Domestic Fasteners, Electronic Hardware, Filter Tool, Search Tool, Supply chain - manufacturing, Women in Manufacturing | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing, supply chain | Leave a comment

We are excited to announce our new product search and filter feature on our website!

Our new product filter lets you refine product searches by multiple attributes, including size, material, category and more. This makes it easier to navigate and search for products the way you want to. Hence, you can find the parts you need faster and more efficiently.

Simply search by your keyword…

Product Filters will appear on the left panel of our website in the following cases:

1) From the Search Navigation Bar at the top left of our home page, key in the product type, description or attributes you are seeking. i.e. inserts, then the filter appears.

And filter through your specific needs…

2) From the pages that list products available for purchase or RFQ, i.e., where the filter automatically appears.

Once the filter appears, search refinement is available based on multiple attributes including:

As always if you can’t find your specific part or product, feel free to send us a Request For Quote and our team of sourcing experts will follow up for you!

Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply

Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online. We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers.
Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.

To learn more about our products, visit our blog, or email us at sales@mfsupply.com

Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.

MF Supply Launches New Product Filter!

Posted: November 16, 2022 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Domestic Fasteners, Electronic Hardware, Filter Tool, Search Tool, Supply chain - manufacturing, Women in Manufacturing | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing, supply chain | Leave a comment

We are excited to announce our new search and filter feature in our website! Find the parts you need faster and more efficiently.

MF SUPPLY EXPANDS TO NEW MARKETS THANKS TO NJMEP SUPPORT

Posted: November 23, 2021 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: NJMEP, Supply chain - manufacturing | Tags: Hardware, manufacturing, njmep, supply chain | Leave a comment

MF Supply relied heavily on the accurate and timely information NJMEP provided once the pandemic began.

“Our business has grown and added headcount by pivoting directions. A lot of that happened, frankly, because of the information we received from NJMEP,” Robin Lieberman, President, MF Supply explained.

Brand Equivalent Case Study: Achieving faster delivery & lower costs using functional equivalents

Posted: October 8, 2018 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts, Mil-Spec, Supply chain - manufacturing | Tags: keensert, manufacturing, supply chain | Leave a comment

October 9, 2018

Here at MF Supply we spend a lot of time sourcing hard to find, back-ordered or out of stock OEM hardware brands for our customers. Much like brand-name pharmaceuticals such as Tylenol and Advil are available generically (as acetaminophen and ibuprofen), some brand name fasteners are also available as “generics,” “crosses,” “alternatives” or “functional equivalents.” In the world of fasteners, a functional equivalent fastener is a part that is the same as the brand-name product in form, fit and function, including material and plating specifications. Using equivalents and alternatives to OEM brand names can be a smart way to reduce long lead times and/or cut expenses.

Check out this Case Study where an OEM brand was substituted with a functional equivalent, reducing costs by 59% and shaving lead time by over 20 weeks. This time and money savings gave the manufacturer an advantage over their competition, which helped them win the job.

Smart Manufacturers use equivalents to shorten delivery times and win business

ISSUE

A Tier 3 aerospace manufacturer of subassemblies is bidding on a job for a large international Aircraft OEM where the bill of materials calls for 172 pieces of a 1/4-28 x 1/2-20 Floating Key-Locking Insert in A286 stainless steel with a Fairchild/Alcoa Keensert® part number KNKDL428JT. As the part is in nonstock status at Alcoa, the delivery time is 28-29 weeks (yes that is half of one year which can be standard for aerospace related and mil-spec parts). Here is the dilemma – based on this delivery schedule, the manufacturer cannot meet their prospective client’s two month delivery requirement.

SUGGESTED SOLUTION

MF Supply gets a print of the part and is able to cross it to an exact functional equivalent for an alternative brand we distribute. Our factory can manufacturer and deliver the part in 4-5 weeks at 1/2 the cost of the OEM brand fastener. The alternative parts will be manufactured with full lot traceability and manufacturer’s test reports, a certificate of conformance and a DFARS statement. The client (Aircraft OEM) approves the substitution and awards the manufacturer the business based on their ability to make the 2 month delivery requirement. A Purchase Order for the Floating Key-Locking Insert is issued to MF Supply. As promised, within 5 weeks, the complete 172 inserts, with full paperwork, are delivered to the manufacturer. The subassemblies are produced and delivered to the end client on time and underbudget.

TIME SAVINGS

-MF Supply functional equivalent fasteners shorten delivery time from 28-29 weeks to 5 weeks.

COST SAVINGS

-KNKDL428JT price = $200 each. Total cost $34,400.
-MF equivalent price = $82.00 each. Total cost $14,104.
-Savings=$20,296!

SUMMARY / BENEFIT

-Cost savings of $20,296 or 59% (not a typo!).
– Tier 3 aerospace manufacturer wins bid and is awarded job.
-Work is completed on time.
-Job is more profitable due to cost savings realized on inserts.
-Job has been a repeater and a money maker for Tier 3 aerospace manufacturer.

In summary, if your bill of materials calls for an OEM brand fastener or component, find out if you must have the brand name product. In cases where a generic or equivalent alternative part will work, there might be an opportunity to save money and shorten delivery time.

How can I determine if I must use the brand name or if I can cross to a generic part?

Before you shop, check the bill of materials to see if it specifically calls out a particular brand name along with the part number. If no specific manufacturer’s name is listed, then you can typically use a generic alternative or equivalent product?. For more complete info, check out our July 27 blog for your 4 point checklist on determining if functional equivalents will work for your business.

For more information about MF Supply contact:

Robin Lieberman, President
robin@mfsupply.com
973-777-5411

Happy Manufacturing Day 2018!

Posted: October 5, 2018 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: Manufacturing Day, NJMEP, Supply chain - manufacturing, Women in Manufacturing | Leave a comment

Manufacturing Day^® is a national celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers and occurs annually on the first Friday in October.

MF Supply was proud to be a Blue level sponsor of New Jersey Manufacturing Day, organized by the NJMEP, which brought together manufacturers, students, supporters, government representatives and industry expert speakers at the Marigold in Somerset from 7:30A-2:30p today, October 5th.

We attended 2 breakout sessions: The first session “Driving Industry Growth through Innovative Technology, Education and Government Support” featured private and public sector experts who discussed their approach to problem solving a myriad of business issues and red tape. I met the Executive Director of the NJ Business Action Center, Melanie Willoughby who is known as “The Fixer”. She told us how she helped a NJ manufacturer get a special crosswalk built on a state road so their workers could walk directly from their plant to the deli across the street. It’s the little things that count!

The second session “Women in Manufacturing Roundtable Discussion” featured three powerhouse women representing the food, machine shop and clothing/sewing manufacturing industries. It was inspiring to hear how these three women are growing their businesses in the male dominated manufacturing space. Perhaps the coolest story was told by panelist Tom Bergeron, the Editor of ROI-NJ. He introduced us to the camp Tools and Tiaras, where this part summer, his daughter learned how to solder and build from industry experts in the housing and building industries. Resources for women are expanding and the the future for Women in Manufacturing looks very bright!

Other breakout sessions included:

Tariffs – How to Apply For Exclusions
Emerging Topics in Food Safety
Tips for Recruiting, Retaining And Linking into Underutilized Talent Pools
2018 Tax Reform – How to Make The Changes Work In Your Favor

Check out the manufacturing day activities and Manufacturing Award winner announcements in your neck of the woods by visiting your state’s Manufacturing Extension Program wesbite or the Manufacturing Day website for more info.

For more information about MF Supply contact:

Robin Lieberman, President
robin@mfsupply.com
973-777-5411

Buyer’s Guide to One and done Keensert® Ordering

Posted: June 28, 2018 | Author: mfsupplyblog | Filed under: DFARS, keensert, key-locking inserts, Mil-Spec, Supply chain - manufacturing, Uncategorized | Tags: keensert, key-locking insert, MS51830, ms51831, MS51832, supply chain | Leave a comment

Your 5 point checklist to getting it right the first time

What is a Keensert®?

Keenserts® are solid bushing style inserts that are threaded on both the inside and the outside, and have wedges or “keys” attached at the top. They are generically called key-locking inserts, and are used to distribute loads and repair or strengthen threads against failures due to stripping, seizing or corrosion. They are commonly used in precision manufacturing and aerospace applications.

Although the name Keensert^® is often used generically (like Band-Aid^® or Kleenex^®), Keensert^® is the registered trademark of Huck Patents (its close cousin, the Keysert^® is a registered trademark of Alcoa Fastening Systems.).

How do I simplify my buying process to get what I need to complete the job on time and right?

We are all familiar with that classic adage “Measure twice, cut once”. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the world of manufacturing. If you are involved in procurement, you are challenged with making sure you have the right parts available at the best price so your factory can deliver on time and on budget. Missing tools, incorrect paperwork and long delivery times can cause major headaches and negatively impact service levels.

Our goal is to help you make the Keensert buying process easier, which in turn will eliminate stress, reduce multiple shipments and potentially increase your profits. The result? Happier customers (and finance departments too)! So here it goes…..

Make sure to order the correct part.

Due to the price, availability and high minimum order requirements of Huck or Alcoa branded Keensert^®parts, using functional equivalents including Mil-Spec parts has become a common practice. Request that your supplier makes reference to the part number listed on your bill of materials on their sales order and packing slip. This will ensure you are getting the functional equivalent that you need.

If you are not ordering by part number, make sure to call out both the internal and external thread including the thread class (UNC, UNF, UNJ), the material and plating, and any special finish you need.

Place blanket orders for your total project needs to get the best price and ensure availability of parts when you need them.

Most standard size non-locking miniature and thin wall / light weight Keenserts^® are readily available off the shelf in 303 stainless steel or carbon steel. However, some locking style, nonstandard diameters, 4140 alloy, A286, heavy duty, extra heavy duty, solid and floating style Keenserts^® are available only by special order and usually involve a long lead time. Make sure to get current price and delivery and order parts as early as possible. Many suppliers allow you to order now and ship later, which can prevent delivery delays.

If you have an ongoing project, calculate your total needs and place your order with staggered delivery dates. This will get you the best available pricing and ensure you have the parts when you need them. Remember, price breaks can start at as few as 100 pieces.

Order (the correct) installation tools with Keenserts® for maximum efficiency.

Whereas most common size and material installation tools are readily available off the shelf, less popular sizes and materials might involve a lead time. Parent materials harder than RC30 or Anondized Aluminum may require that the tapped holes be broached for the keys, which requires the use of broach blades.

In addition, there are manual and power installation tools to choose from, so consult with your supplier on which tool is correct for your job. Note: manual tools work well for jobs up to 999 Keenserts®. For installations of 1000 Keenserts® or more, a pneumatic tool is recommended.

Order the Correct drills and taps for proper installation

Although Keenserts® are installed with standard drills and taps (plus the installation tool and a hammer) each part has a specific hole/tap dimensional recommendation. The drills used are often oversized for the external thread size. When purchasing key-locking inserts, check with your production department to make sure you have everything you need for proper installation. Note: Drill is oversize see charts for proper dimensions.

Kits are handy to have in the shop and are available for most common sizes. These kits include 2+ Keenserts®, the associated drill, tap and manual installation tool along with instructions for correct installation.

Request COC, MTRs, DFAR and all required paperwork on your RFQ and PO.

Since using functional equivalents including Mil-Spec parts is a common practice, make sure you have dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s when it comes to paperwork. Ask your supplier to reference the branded part number listed on your bill of materials on their COC and packing slip to make sure you are getting the functional equivalent that you need. In most cases, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC referencing the part number you ordered is all the paperwork you need. Certain aerospace customers need a complete Manufacturer’s Test Report (MTR) package including DFAR statement and passivation certs with full lot traceability. This might involve a fee, so include it in your RFQ. Whatever your requirement, include it on your Purchase Order to make sure you have what you need to satisfy your customer’s needs.

In summary, follow this handy 5 point guide when ordering Keenserts® and watch your costs decrease and your service levels soar!

For more information about MF Supply contact:

Robin Lieberman, President
robin@mfsupply.com
973-777-5411

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