In the world of construction, manufacturing and product design, the fastening methods can significantly impact efficiency and overall costs. Traditional industrial fasteners, such as adhesives, zippers, plastic ties and hardware, are common choices. These fasteners often come with hidden costs that can impact a business’s bottom line.
To mitigate these costs, VELCRO® Brand industrial fasteners are designed to provide better support for operations. Here are the six hidden costs commonly associated with traditional fasteners, along with how VELCRO® Brand Fasteners address these issues.
- Additional Labor Time
- Parts That Can Break Down
- Bulk & Rigidity
- Tools Required
- Single-Use Materials That Produce Scrap
- Chemicals & Messes Produced by Adhesives
1. Traditional Industrial Fasteners Require Additional Labor Time
One of the most significant hidden costs associated with traditional fastening methods is the additional labor time required for installation, adjustments and replacements. This is common for fastening types such as zippers, adhesives, strings, hardware, buttons or snaps. Workers often need to spend extra time and care to tighten and adjust these rigid fasteners. Time is money, and the longer it takes to secure components, the higher the labor costs and the lower the satisfaction of workers and customers.
VELCRO® Brand industrial fasteners are designed for quick and easy application. Their simple hook and loop design allows for rapid adjustments, reducing labor time and enabling faster production, which in turn leads to overall customer and worker satisfaction.
Applications that can benefit:
- Construction (wall paneling, carpeting, roof membranes)
- Cable management
- Agriculture
- Warehouse strapping
2. Mechanical Parts that Can Break and Cause Downtime
Traditional fasteners often include mechanical parts that can corrode or break after repeated use or exposure to harsh elements, resulting in significant downtime and increased scrap. This applies to various fastener types, including hardware, zippers or snaps and buttons. When industrial hardware fails, it can be complicated to remove and replace. This not only results in wasted resources but also disrupts production schedules.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners are durable and reliable, minimizing the risk of breakage and the associated costs of downtime. Their ability to withstand repeated and harsh environments reduces the need for replacements and waste.
Applications that can benefit:
3. Adding Bulk and Rigidity
Many traditional fastening methods, such as hardware, zippers, buttons and snaps, involve bulky metal parts that add weight and rigidity to the final product. This added weight can affect shipping costs and overall product performance, particularly in cases such as manufactured goods and footwear and apparel. Mechanical fasteners are also less flexible and can’t align with various curved surfaces.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners are lightweight and flexible, allowing for a more streamlined design that can adapt to irregular surfaces. This flexibility not only reduces weight but also eliminates the need for rigid fasteners that can puncture materials and cause additional damage.
Applications that can benefit:
4. Tools Required and the Risk of Worker Injury
The installation and adjustment of traditional fasteners often require sharp, specialized tools that require additional training and can pose a risk of injury to workers. Screws, nails and rivets puncture materials and necessitate precise positioning. These injuries not only affect physical health but can also lead to increased stress and dissatisfaction in the workplace. For the business, injured workers create lost time on the job and increase medical costs.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners reduce the need for tools, the added knowledge to use them and the risk of injury, allowing workers to focus on their tasks without stress. This ease of use contributes to a healthier work environment, enhancing worker happiness and fostering a more positive and productive atmosphere.
Applications that can benefit:
5. Single-Use Materials that Produce Scrap and Stifle Sustainability
Many traditional fastening methods utilize single-use materials, resulting in significant waste every time they need to be replaced or adjusted. Plastic ties must be cut and screws and nails are permanent fixtures. This not only contributes to environmental concerns but also increases costs associated with proper disposal and additional material procurement.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners are designed for reusability, allowing for easy adjustments and replacements without excess waste. This sustainable approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances the overall cost-effectiveness of the production process.
Applications that can benefit:
6. Chemicals & Messes Produced by Industrial Adhesives
Liquid industrial adhesives come with hidden costs of their own. Curing times, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and clean-up processes require more time and resources to manage. Adhesives can create hazardous work environments, requiring ventilation systems for fumes and increased production delays for drying time. Additionally, workers handling these substances may face potential health risks from chemical exposure, making safety precautions necessary in many applications.
VELCRO® Brand fasteners provide a cleaner, safer and more efficient alternative to traditional adhesives. These fasteners eliminate the need for ventilation and mitigate the risks associated with harmful chemicals. Their ease of application and ability to be repositioned quickly enable quicker assembly processes, reducing labor time and lowering overhead. By simplifying installation and ensuring a reliable attachment without the mess, VELCRO® Brand fasteners help streamline operations and improve workplace safety.
Applications that can benefit:
VELCRO® Brand Fasteners Solve Hidden Costs to Boost Efficiency and Value
While traditional fastening methods have their place in various applications, the hidden costs associated with them can accumulate quickly. From additional labor time and the risk of damage to worker injuries and sustainability concerns, these methods can hinder efficiency and profitability. VELCRO® Brand fasteners offer a versatile, durable and sustainable solution that addresses these hidden costs, making them an ideal choice for modern manufacturing and product design.
Ready to cut some costs?
If you’re designing industry-disruptive products, attaching building materials or bundling cables, there is a smart fastening solution for you. Discover what the VELCRO® Brand has to offer and request product samples from our team.
