More than just C-parts: why fasteners require specialisation
Those who dismiss fasteners as simple C-parts risk expensive production downtimes. Thomas Binder from the Daniel Gruppe Sales team explains why technical consulting makes all the difference for specialized parts—and how a manufacturer of seating systems for commercial vehicles was able to significantly reduce its production costs as a result.
Fasteners and components tailored to your individual needs
Fasteners can be found in automobiles, wheelchairs, and elevators, for example. They connect our everyday lives. Without the right screw, there is no finished component. Nevertheless, many purchasers treat them as interchangeable, low-cost commodities. Our technical consulting makes the decisive difference. Thomas Binder describes it as follows:
„The requirements for fasteners vary depending on the specific application. Individual customizations can dictate the overall cost-efficiency of the products. We therefore adapt the material and production processes as cost-effectively as possible to your intended purpose.“
– Thomas Binder, Sales at the Daniel Gruppe
Der Unterschied zur DIN- und Normschraube liegt im Material und im Herstellungsverfahren. Die Güte des Stahls, die Härte durch Anglühen und Temperieren – das entscheidet darüber, ob eine Verbindung hält oder versagt.
Engineers talking to engineers: How the collaboration works
For standard catalog parts, a quick look into the catalog is sufficient. DIN and ISO standards clearly define the specifications, and manufacturer documents prove compliance. Verifications are rarely necessary. For custom drawing parts and special components, however, things are different. Here, the customer defines the technical requirements—and that is exactly where the real work begins. The Daniel Gruppe relies on direct communication between the engineers on both sides. Thomas Binder explains the reason:
„Direct coordination between technical contact partners eliminates misunderstandings and accelerates the problem-solving process.“
– Thomas Binder, Sales at the Daniel Gruppe
You are looking for the right connection for your product?
Then I look forward to our discussion! We will advise you on the optimal material and production processes, and create a technical drawing. This allows you to stay relaxed and focus entirely on your core area of expertise.
Phone +49 5741 3480-0
Email: info@daniel-gruppe.de
Often underestimated in practice: The quality of the drawing is critical
Our process follows a clear structure:
- The inquiry is forwarded directly to our in-house engineering department.
- Our engineers thoroughly review the specific requirements the technical drawing of your custom parts must fulfill. They propose optimizations or recommend alternative materials and manufacturing processes to ensure the most cost-effective production possible.
- Only after this engineering review is completed does the inquiry move to procurement.
- This is followed by the commercial quotation, initial sampling, and finally, active series production.
„Thanks to their close relationship with the manufacturer, our engineers can offer you the most cost-effective solution. Our core strength lies in combining in-depth technical expertise with an international network of specialized manufacturing partners.“
– Thomas Binder, Sales at the Daniel Gruppe
Standard parts vs. custom parts– this is where the real challenge lies
DIN standard parts: proven and standardised
DIN standard parts are standardised, comparable worldwide and have been available for decades. A hex bolt with a metric thread is the same everywhere – regardless of the manufacturer. For many applications, that is sufficient.
Drawing parts and custom parts: developed individually
However, the larger and more exciting area is drawing parts. These custom parts do not exist yet – we develop them together with you.
„For drawing parts and custom parts, we put together the best overall package – technically strong, economically viable, and feasible on the market.“
– Sebastian Tellke, Sales at the Daniel Gruppe
Real-World Case Study: Fits Like a Glove
A manufacturer of seating systems for commercial vehicles was looking for ways to optimize the production efficiency of a clamping claw for armrests. This component enables the mobility of the armrest and had previously been manufactured as a turned and milled part. Due to highly specific application requirements, the customer had strictly defined the material: chrome-molybdenum, a specialized steel alloy that can not only be hardened but also engineered for exceptionally high tensile strength.
Our goal: To manufacture the custom part with significantly optimized cost structures while maintaining the exact same high quality.
„Based on the technical requirements, it was instantly clear to us that the clamping claw could fundamentally also be designed as a cast component.“
– Fredo Urban, Technical Director at the Daniel Gruppe
The prospect of a far more efficient manufacturing process convinced the customer to approve the initial sampling process—an undertaking that demands the highest level of diligence and precision, particularly within the automotive sector.
The result: Switching to the casting process delivered significant improvements and measurable cost reductions for the customer.
- Weight: The component is now more than 60% lighter—while maintaining identical mechanical performance characteristics.
- Productivity: Production speed has increased from approximately two and a half minutes per part to around 100 parts per hour. This represents a fourfold increase in manufacturing capacity.
- Costs: Due to the far more efficient production process, manufacturing costs for the client have fallen significantly.
„Since the initial clamping claw project, we have jointly put well over 100 customized special parts to the test, identifying and unlocking significant efficiency potentials in numerous cases.“
– Fredo Urban, Technical Director at the Daniel Gruppe
The Application Environment Dictates: Why the First Question Is Always "How Will the Component Be Used?"
For customized special parts, Thomas Binder always asks the same questions first: What performance characteristics must the part deliver? Where exactly will it be installed? The answers to these questions determine everything that follows. A fastener on a starting block at an outdoor swimming pool requires a completely different grade of stainless steel than a screw exposed to saltwater—every distinct environment demands a specific material grade.
„Depending on the operating conditions, identical items may have to meet completely different performance requirements. That is why analyzing the specific application environment is absolutely decisive.“
– Thomas Binder, Sales at the Daniel Gruppe
Sometimes, asking about the intended purpose causes customers to pause and reconsider. Binder frequently finds that when he asks detailed follow-up technical questions, clients realize: "I need to review that specification again," or "I am actually not entirely sure."
This is precisely where the true value of technical consulting lies. A pure catalog supplier does not ask these questions. A partner who proactively thinks along with you identifies engineering risks before they ever surface in active production.
A Smooth Process for Your Supply Security
The biggest pain points in the procurement of custom parts are long lead times and comparatively high prices. From the initial inquiry to active series production, European manufacturers often require 10 to 12 weeks. For overseas manufacturing, this timeframe typically extends to 20 to 24 weeks. This period encompasses drawing creation, technical consultations, the quotation phase, and initial sampling. The Daniel Gruppe solves this challenge through annual framework agreements and strategic warehousing at our own logistics location. Once 50 percent of the inventory has been called off or 50 percent of the contract term has elapsed, we proactively contact you to discuss the reorder. This automated replenishment system reliably prevents supply gaps.
The decisive advantage of the Daniel Gruppe lies in this powerful combination of expert technical consulting, proactive supply monitoring, and long-term partnership.
Conclusion: No Finished Product Without the Right Fastener
The technical requirements for special and custom drawing parts are just as unique as their specific application environments. We want you to be completely satisfied in the long term – both with your fasteners and with our collaboration. Our technical consulting eliminates frustrating design loops and incorrect orders. We solve technical challenges individually and guarantee 100% supply security.
Our dedicated in-house engineering department, which thoroughly reviews and optimizes customer drawings, recommends the ideal manufacturing processes, and communicates directly on an equal footing with the customer’s engineers. In addition, we offer customized framework agreements with proactive inventory replenishment management.
The Daniel Gruppe operates as the strategic partner and independent interface connecting the client, technical engineering, and certified manufacturers. Quality assurance is fully secured via comprehensive manufacturer documentation and material certificates. Upon request, you can additionally commission specialized laboratory testing.
Knowledge that connects
Expertise from engineering, purchasing and manufacturing – written clearly for decision-makers in SMEs.