An interview with Sven Heggemann from Heico Fasteners
In this piece, we interviewed Sven Heggemann from Heico Fasteners, regarding the reasons for the company’s longevity, we also got some insight into a few of its recently launched products and how they benefit the power industry
Heico recently celebrated its 125th anniversary, can you tell us why the company has lasted for so long?
I would attribute it to our ability to evolve whether by investing in cutting-edge technology – by expanding our capabilities with high performance machinery via an in-house tool factory, and a company-owned technical test laboratory, for example – or by continuously improving our processes and optimising the synergy effects between our two company divisions (fastening and cold forging technology).
Of course there is also the dedication and passion of our team. It is this special spirit that has empowered us to constantly reinvent ourselves and emerge stronger from challenging times.
The recently launched Heico-Lock reaction appears to play a key role in your operations. Please tell us a bit more about the product
The Heico-Lock reaction washers are an addition to our wide range of bolt locking solutions. The product line includes not only the classic wedge lock washers but also offers a broad portfolio of innovative variations and practical, user-friendly combination products that meet the different needs of our customers.
These new washers are engineered specifically for use with electric, pneumatic and hydraulic high-torque tools.
Like all Heico Lock products, the reaction washers effectively prevent self-loosening of bolted joints caused by dynamic loads. The major advantage for users is that the washers can be used with almost every high-torque tool from leading tool manufactures. The Heico Dual Sockets mean they can integrate the washers with the tools they already own.
What benefit has this provided to sectors such as the wind industry (that need to secure bolting joints)?
The new reaction washers mean no reaction arms or external support points are required for the tool. The reaction torque is absorbed via a special dual socket that engages with the gear-shaped outer contour of the Heico-Lock reaction washers. As a result, the tightening torque is applied purely axially, without introducing additional bending moments into the bolt during tightening.
Since no reaction arms or external supports are needed, the overall assembly process becomes significantly safer for the operator. Accidents such as pinched or crushed fingers, as well as serious injuries caused by tool slippage, can be effectively prevented.
In addition, component surfaces are protected, as damage and deformation caused by support points are avoided.
This system is particularly advantageous in wind turbine applications, where numerous large-bolted joints, often with repeated identical metrical sizes, are used. It offers substantial time savings, reduces assembly costs and provides sustainable protection against self-loosening of the bolt connection.
How has the product helped other industries (such as the hydrogen storage sector) and what practical difference has it made to providers?
The advantages of our Heico-Lock reaction washers are essentially independent of special industries. Wherever large-bolted joints above M24 are used, particularly in applications involving repetitive assembly of identical fasteners in high volumes, the system provides significant benefits.
For industries such as oil and gas, hydropower, hydrogen, pump and suction technology or mining our new washers are predestined for the use of our washers. The range of industries and application fields are extremely broad.
Customers can increase their efficiency through a faster and economical assembly process, improved safety for operators, reduced risk of damage to components, and consistently reliable bolt locking.
What safety benefits does this product have for engineers working with high-torque tools?
As already mentioned, the safety benefits of our Heico-Lock reaction washers are substantial. The use of high-torque tools always involves the risk of accidents resulting from tool slippage owing to improvised or inadequate reaction setups and crushing hand injuries.
By combining Heico dual sockets and the corresponding reaction washers, bolted joints can be tightened precisely controlled and safely, without the need for additional external support points. This reduces the risk of injuries.
Do you modify your products on an ongoing basis (in response to feedback) and, if so, how does this work?
The Heico-Lock product range helps demonstrate a high level of innovative strength and continuous product development. Based on the proven wedge locking principle, our portfolio has systematically expanded to include advanced bolt locking solutions that offer advantages in handling, as well as integrated combination products.
We place great importance on understanding the specific challenges faced by our customers in real-world applications. Their requirements and expectations for reliable and efficient bolt securing are carefully considered and play a decisive role throughout our product development processes.
A representative example of this approach is our Heico-Lock Combi-Washers. These washers work according to the proven wedge locking principle and incorporate a blue polymer ring with small labs at the inner side of the washer pair. These labs lightly engage with the bolt threat, enabling a preassembly of the washers and bolts. This simplifies the handling and improves the installation assembly. As the combi-washers can be combined with all standard bolt types providing an advantage over other preassembled solutions such as SEMS bolts.
What role does Heico play in the wider push for renewable energy?
Providing advanced bolt locking and pre-tensioning systems, Heico is already today a reliable partner of the wind energy sector and serves as an expert for all questions related to safe bolted connections.
As an official member of the WindEurope association for many years, we are firmly established within the wind power industry. Our products are widely used in large wind turbines, both on and offshore. They are successfully applied in foundation bolting, rotor blade connections, as well as in access systems like ladders.
Across Germany and also internationally, the renewable energy industry is experiencing rapid growth and continued expansion. Heico actively supports this development by ensuring safe, reliable and long-lasting bolted connections.
For more information visit: www.heico-group.com
