Fastening solutions are components used in various industries to ensure safe and reliable assembly, and to guarantee that all aspects of a product are held together as intended. Agrati is a worldwide leader in this field, with a rich history and deep-rooted mission that reflects their dedication to innovation and technology.Â
While fastening solutions are essential to many industries, Agrati’s focus on the automotive sector stands out. In fact, more than 50% of Agrati sales come from the automotive OEM sector, demonstrating the company’s strong position in this market. As such, it is worth exploring Agrati’s fastening solutions and how they contribute to the safety and reliability of the automotive industry.
Agrati’s history and production capabilities
Agrati’s story is one of true perseverance and innovation. Starting as a small manufacturing company with just 20 employees in 1939, they have grown to become a global leader in fastening solutions with 12 production plants and 5 logistic centers worldwide.
Their production capabilities are nothing short of impressive, with over 160,000 tons of steel purchased annually and a staggering 8 billion pieces produced each year. This amount of production is equivalent to the number of stars in many galaxies, which is a testament to the magnitude of Agrati’s operations.
But it’s not just the numbers that make Agrati stand out. Their commitment to innovation and technology is equally remarkable, with 8% of their resources being invested in these areas. This forward-thinking mindset has allowed them to stay ahead of industry trends and continue to develop 850 new products each year.
What truly sets Agrati apart, however, is their ability to provide solutions that meet the exact needs of their customers. With their fastening solutions being used to assemble over 40 million cars worldwide, their attention to detail and dedication to quality control is crucial. It’s this combination of scale, innovation, and customer focus that has propelled Agrati to the forefront of their industry.
Agrati’s focus on the automotive industry
Agrati has made a significant impact in the automotive industry, with more than 90% of their sales being driven by this sector. Their fastening solutions are used by automotive OEMs, particularly in Europe, North America, and China, to assemble vehicles and meet the demands of their customers.
To support this focus on the automotive industry, Agrati has global teams available to provide local support and meet the specific needs of their customers. This allows them to deliver customized solutions that meet the exact requirements of the automotive industry.
Their commitment to the automotive industry is further demonstrated through their expertise in producing Advanced Formed Parts (AFP). These engineered components are manufactured using Agrati’s core technology, the cold forging process, and are characterized by complex geometries, tight tolerances, alternative materials, and advanced processes. They are used in various automotive applications such as chassis, seatings, brakes, safety systems, engine, powertrain, and driveline systems.
Agrati’s dedication to the automotive industry is fueled by their desire to provide solutions that improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of vehicles. By collaborating with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, they are helping to shape the future of the automotive industry and position themselves as a trusted partner in this field.
Advanced Formed Parts (AFP)
Agrati’s Advanced Formed Parts (AFP) are engineered components that are manufactured with Agrati’s proprietary technology: the cold forging process. As previously mentioned, AFPs are defined by their complex geometry and advanced processes. These features set them apart from other fastening solutions in terms of quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
AFPs are used in various fields of automotive applications, such as chassis, seatings, brakes and safety systems, engine, powertrain and driveline systems. These parts are manufactured according to strict customer specifications, and Agrati is committed to meeting these specifications through dedicated control plans during production and the ability to do comprehensive sorting before packaging.
Agrati’s extensive expertise in the cold forging process allows them to obtain complex designs with high production rates, yet minimize scrapped material, enabling them to provide a competitive price compared to other manufacturing technologies. Additionally, Agrati’s automated assembly lines guarantee the production of high volumes demanded by the market.
With Agrati’s experience gained over the years, they have become a proven partner in designing and validating these complex parts. From the proposal drawing to the final functional test on real applications, Agrati works closely with their customers, using Finite Element Analysis and prototype manufacturing to ensure that AFPs meet the highest quality standards.
As a result of Agrati’s dedication to quality and innovation, AFPs have become the industry technical leader in producing advanced form parts, with 30% of this product category directed to the Automotive Tier1 sector. AFPs are produced mainly in Tronzano Vercellese in Italy and the North American plants.
Design and Validation Process for Complex Parts
Innovation and precision are central to Agrati’s operations, and the design and validation of complex parts are no exception. With close to a century of experience and a commitment to investing in technology and innovation, Agrati has become a trusted partner in the automotive industry for producing fastening solutions that meet any and all requirements.
Agrati’s design and validation process for complex parts begins with a proposal drawing, which is then transformed into a 3D model. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is then conducted to simulate and validate the part’s functionality and performance in real-life applications. This process ensures that the part will perform as intended and meet the customer’s requirements.
Once the design has been validated, the prototype is manufactured using Agrati’s advanced production technology, including cold forging, turning, grinding, drilling, and rolling. This process ensures that the final product has the required tight tolerances and meets the customer’s specifications.
Finally, the prototype undergoes functional testing on real-life applications, ensuring that the part’s performance matches the FEA simulation results.
Through this meticulous design and validation process, Agrati provides its customers with complex parts that are reliable, efficient, and long-lasting.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings in 1939 to becoming a global leader, Agrati has truly cemented its place in the fastening solutions industry. With a focus on innovation and technology, Agrati is constantly pushing boundaries to meet the ever-evolving needs of the automotive industry.
Agrati’s ability to meet customer specifications and ensure high-quality production has helped them establish a solid reputation as a proven partner in designing and validating complex parts. With a global presence and teams available to support a variety of needs, Agrati is well-equipped to serve the automotive industry on a worldwide scale.
As the automotive industry continues to grow and change, Agrati is sure to remain at the forefront of fastening solutions. With their impressive history and production capabilities, coupled with their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Agrati is truly a force to be reckoned with.
