Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing, recently shared his thoughts on several topics pertaining to the fastener industry, including current trends, new designs, additive manufacturing, the manufacturer and distributor relationship, as well as the company’s most innovative product.
Discussing insert trends, he noted an increased demand specifically for inserts used in plastics and additive materials. This is attributed to the rise of 3D printing/prototyping and the movement towards lightweight materials.
While new designs may be needed today, Lindsly-Roach believes that “…many times existing designs and products can work in new materials.” This is true for carbon fiber and composite materials, as thread-cutting type inserts, traditionally used in plastic/wood, can also work.
The impact of additive manufacturing on E-Z LOK can’t be overstated, as it’s led to continued expansion of inserts for plastics/additive materials as well as creating new ones.
Regarding the nature of the manufacturer and distributor relationship, he stated that the relationship hasn’t changed much and that E-Z LOK and many other manufacturers rely heavily on distribution partners to ensure their products get to market.
Lastly, Lindsly-Roach commented that the company’s most important product remains the one that E-Z LOK was founded on nearly 70 years ago: the threaded solid wall inserts for metal, also known as E-Z LOK inserts. “This product is easier to install, and higher performance than the helical coil type inserts. It also presents a good middle ground of price versus performance when looking at it compared to key locking inserts for metal.”
