This synergy offers great potential for the light steel sector. “We are already seeing the adaptation and integration of highly technical engineering processes into the planning and specifications for advanced offsite construction technologies, and this will transform next generation building processes,” says EJOT’s Technical Business Development Manager in the UK, Brian Mack.
“For example, processes engineered for automotive assemblies are supporting the development of construction products, with engineers on both sides of the EJOT fence sharing expertise within a mutually respectful arena. Such innovations include highly sophisticated fastening systems for vehicle frame and chassis assembly - known as ‘body-in-white’. These advancements are already answering the global call to ‘build lighter, build stronger’.”
Fully and semi-automated solutions developed in conjunction with industry partners, such as screwdriving specialist Deprag, are already proving pivotal in delivering an engineering based approach to a rapidly changing construction sector. This supports best practice and the progressive needs of light steel framing, especially within the volumetric modular and offsite sectors that EJOT is historically involved with.
The Science of Installation Technology Being able to facilitate crossdepartmental collaboration can be vital for the progression of light steel framing systems but it is not without its cultural differences. Whilst fastening systems for construction are characterised by delivery to the right place at the right time, the supply to engineering customers is based on a much longer term ethos of product development and
shared project management.
That often means re-engineering threads, materials, even tailoring coating technology to arrive at a new or a bespoke solution. This has resulted in unique thread-forming, metallurgy and organic coatings cross-pollinating all of the EJOT’s manufacturing via a learning curve for all sides and the emergence of what could be badged ‘the science of installation technology’.
Dedicated Research and Development
Development and testing are provided by the integral UK EJOT Applitec Centre - with additional expertise on tap at sister laboratories around the EJOT world. Investment made both locally and internationally within all of these centres is evidence of the EJOT Group’s commitment to support the objectives and forward-thinking approach of institutions such as the LSFA.
