Avlock International - South Africa

21/10/2026

Tesla took the Roadster for a flight. fischer International took one look and sent in the delivery van! 😂

A brilliant spoof of a viral automotive stunt, with fischer International’s own branded van taking centre stage. Credit where it’s due for the clever concept and seriously quick turnaround. That’s how you put an engineering spin on a trending moment!

20/10/2026

fischer FH II: High-Performance Anchoring for Cracked Concrete

The fischer FH II high-performance expansion anchor is engineered for secure fixing applications where load-bearing capacity, installation efficiency and reliable performance in concrete are essential.

Designed for demanding construction and engineering applications, the FH II combines high shear load-bearing capacity with controlled expansion technology and a selection of head configurations to accommodate different installation requirements.

Engineered for High Load-Bearing Performance

The FH II achieves high shear load-bearing capacity through the optimised interaction between the bolt and expansion sleeve.

The anchor incorporates a plastic sleeve that prevents rotation during installation, allowing the expansion mechanism to operate correctly as the anchor is tightened.

Controlled cone expansion provides reliable anchoring performance in cracked concrete, where the anchor must accommodate changes in the concrete substrate while maintaining its specified load-bearing capability.

These engineering features make the FH II suitable for applications requiring secure mechanical anchorage under demanding loading conditions.

Efficient Installation with Reduced Assembly Force

The FH II is designed for straightforward installation using conventional drilling and fixing equipment.

The installation sequence involves four principal operations:

* Drill the required hole using a standard or hollow drill bit.

* Remove drilling dust where required by the approved installation procedure.

* Insert the anchor using a hammer.

* Tighten the anchor to the specified installation torque.

The design enables installation with relatively low assembly force while achieving the required expansion and anchoring performance.

Correct hole diameter, embedment depth, edge distances, spacing and tightening torque remain essential to achieving the specified performance.

Head Configurations for Different Applications

The fischer FH II range provides several head configurations to accommodate different fixing requirements.

* Hexagonal head: Provides a practical fixing arrangement for applications requiring conventional bolt tightening.

* Countersunk head: Allows flush installation where the fixing must sit level with the surface of the attached component.

* Cap nut: Provides a robust fixing arrangement for applications requiring this fastening configuration.

* Nut and threaded bolt: Accommodates applications where subsequent dismantling of the attached component may be required.

* Internally threaded FH II: Provides additional installation flexibility through an internal thread connection.

The availability of different head configurations allows engineers and installers to select an appropriate fastening arrangement for the application.

Approved Performance in Cracked Concrete

Cracked concrete presents particular challenges for mechanical anchors. Cracking can influence the distribution of forces within the substrate and affect anchor performance under load.

The FH II's controlled expansion mechanism is designed to maintain anchoring performance in cracked concrete within its approved application conditions.

The range carries technical approvals covering specified applications, including seismic applications in earthquake regions.

These approvals provide engineers with documented performance criteria for anchor selection, design and installation.

The applicable approval must be consulted to establish permissible loads, concrete conditions, installation parameters and seismic performance requirements for the selected FH II variant.

Reliable Anchoring Begins with Correct Specification

For South African engineers, contractors and installers, anchor selection requires consideration of the concrete substrate, applied loads, fixing geometry and installation conditions.

The fischer FH II combines high shear load-bearing capacity, controlled expansion, installation efficiency and multiple fixing configurations in a high-performance mechanical anchoring system.

Its engineering design and documented approvals support reliable specification for demanding concrete fastening applications.

fischer FH II. Strong, secure and engineered for high-performance anchoring.

Maximum demands for every concrete.Because of its wide-ranging he...

17/10/2026

A pallet load must withstand handling, storage and transport without shifting, losing stability or sustaining damage. Pallet wrap helps hold goods together as they move through the supply chain.

The demands placed on the film depend on the load itself. Weight, dimensions, height, centre of gravity, weight distribution, product shape, surface characteristics and stacking configuration all influence stability. A tall pallet with a high centre of gravity presents different challenges from a compact, evenly distributed load. Sharp edges and irregular surfaces place additional demands on film resistance.

Film selection must account for these conditions. Tensile strength, stretch, puncture resistance and cling influence how effectively the film contains the load. The wrapping pattern, film tension, overlap and anchoring at the pallet base determine how these properties perform in practice.

Too little containment may allow goods to shift during handling or transit. Excessive tension may damage products or their packaging. Inconsistent application creates weak points that compromise load integrity.

Transport conditions add another variable. Acceleration, braking, cornering, vibration and repeated handling subject palletised goods to forces that the wrapping system must accommodate.

For high-volume operations, film consumption deserves attention alongside load security. Appropriate film specification and consistent application help achieve the required containment while controlling material use.

AvWrap supplies industrial wrapping solutions for packaging and logistics applications where load security, material efficiency and consistent performance are essential.

16/10/2026

Common Installation Mistakes That Compromise Fastener Performance

Fastener performance depends on correct product selection, compatible tooling and adherence to the installation procedure. Each of the following mistakes undermines the finished joint in a specific way.

1. Wrong grip range

Grip range is the material thickness a fastener is designed to accommodate, so the full stack must be measured before length is selected. A rivet that is too long bulges excessively or lets the mandrel pull through, while one that is too short produces a weak joint.

2. Using the fastener to close gaps

Blind rivets are not designed to pull sheets together. Used that way, the rivet expands between the sheets and fixes them with the gap still in place, and the only remedy is to drill the rivet out and clear the residue from both surfaces. Clamp the sheets tight before installing.

3. Wrong hole size

An oversized hole compromises the fit of the fastener within the joint, and an undersized hole prevents insertion. Hole diameter should be matched to the specification for the fastener selected.

4. Poor spacing and edge distance

A rivet set too close to an edge tears or cracks the material during installation. A common minimum is three rivet diameters between centres, and thin material needs solid backing while the rivet is set.

5. Wrong or misaligned tooling

A nosepiece that does not match the fastener damages the fastener or the tool. A tool that is not held straight deforms the rivet sleeve unevenly.

6. Incomplete lockbolt collar installation

A collar that has not been fully formed into the pin grooves can result from improper tool operation, worn tooling or an incorrect fastener. Contamination is a further cause: sealant left on the pin grooves must be cleaned off before the collar is fitted, otherwise the joint is rejected and the collar replaced.

7. Worn tooling

Worn or damaged jaws and nose-assembly components reduce the tool's ability to grip and install fasteners correctly. Servicing the nose assembly and replacing worn parts on schedule keeps installation quality consistent.

8. Mismatched materials

Dissimilar metals in contact in the presence of moisture corrode faster. A steel fastener in aluminium sheet in a wet environment forms a galvanic couple, so the fastener material should match the base material or the two should be isolated with a coating.

Avlock International supplies industrial fastening systems and installation tooling for light and heavy engineering applications. Contact Avlock International for technical guidance on fastener selection and installation.

14/10/2026

The condition of the concrete is a fundamental design consideration when selecting a fastening solution, yet it is frequently overlooked. Whether concrete is classified as cracked or non-cracked directly affects the resistance and stiffness that may be assumed for the anchorage. Establishing this condition is therefore part of the design process, not simply an observation made during installation.

Cracked concrete is defined by the possibility of a crack passing through the plane of the anchor during its service life. The concrete may be uncracked when the anchor is installed, yet subsequent loading, shrinkage, temperature variations or restraint may lead to cracking. A visual inspection at installation cannot, by itself, establish the condition for which the anchorage should be designed.

The engineering implications are substantial. A crack changes the stress conditions around the anchor and may reduce the resistance and stiffness of the fastening. Depending on the anchor's mechanism, cracking may affect how it engages with the surrounding concrete and how it responds to applied tension or shear. Anchors intended for cracked concrete must therefore demonstrate their performance under the relevant conditions through appropriate testing and technical assessment.

The design decision begins with establishing whether cracking can be excluded throughout the anchor's service life. Where the designer cannot demonstrate through appropriate stress analysis that cracking will not occur, cracked concrete must be assumed for design purposes.

The selected anchor must consequently be qualified for the concrete condition assumed in the design. Its assessed performance provides the basis for calculating the anchorage resistance under the relevant loading and installation conditions.

For structural designers, the essential consideration is the anticipated behaviour of the concrete over the anchorage's service life. Establishing that condition before selecting an anchor ensures that the design basis reflects the environment in which the fastening must perform.

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13/10/2026

The Cost of Designing a Joint That Cannot Be Properly Inspected or Maintained

A joint's design responsibility extends beyond achieving the required strength and ensuring correct installation. It must account for the conditions under which the connection will operate throughout the structure's service life, including how it will be inspected, maintained and, where necessary, repaired.

When inspection access is restricted by surrounding components, confined spaces or the joint's position within an assembly, assessing its condition becomes more difficult. Critical surfaces may be concealed, deterioration may be harder to identify, and maintenance personnel may have limited access to the areas requiring attention.

Where joints are concealed or difficult to inspect, deterioration may go undetected. Corrosion can progress beneath coatings or at interfaces where moisture accumulates, while other forms of damage may remain unnoticed because critical areas cannot be adequately examined. Without timely detection, deterioration may progress, potentially increasing the extent of damage, the complexity of repairs and the cost of intervention.

Visibility and physical access are separate considerations. Restricted visibility may prevent effective visual examination, while restricted physical access may prevent inspectors from reaching critical surfaces or using the required inspection equipment. Both need to be considered when designing a connection for its intended service life. The appropriate inspection method depends on the joint's design, materials, loading and operating environment.

When inspection and maintenance access has not been adequately considered during design, the resulting difficulties may only become apparent once the structure is in service. Providing access may then require additional equipment, the removal of surrounding components, modifications or operational downtime. A repair that could have been planned as routine maintenance may become a more extensive intervention if deterioration is discovered late.

Designing for maintainability means considering more than the space needed to install a fastener. Engineers need to account for the tools required for inspection and maintenance, access to critical surfaces, the removal and replacement of components, and the practical conditions under which future work will take place. Not every joint requires dismantling or routine adjustment; the provisions must reflect its function and inspection requirements.

For Avlock International, the selection of a fastening system involves understanding the demands of the application, the conditions under which the connection will operate and the requirements for inspection and maintenance throughout its service life. Avlock supplies fischer International's industrial and project fastening systems in South Africa, supporting fastening requirements across a range of engineering and industrial applications.

13/10/2026

FAZ II Plus: An Assessed Service Life of Up to 120 Years

The service life of an anchoring system deserves serious consideration when a structure is expected to perform for generations.

The fischer International FAZ II Plus bolt anchor has undergone an independent assessment confirming an anchorage service life of up to 120 years for sizes M10–M16. This places the anchor among the solutions suited to long-life construction projects where connections must be considered over a century of service.

Steel durability is central to this requirement. Corrosion progressively reduces the effective cross-section of steel and may compromise its load-bearing capacity. In some exposure conditions, a steel fixing may deteriorate while the surrounding concrete remains structurally sound. The durability of the connection therefore depends on selecting an appropriate anchoring solution for the environment in which it will operate.

For infrastructure and major construction projects designed around extended service lives, the FAZ II Plus offers an independently assessed anchorage service life that extends to 120 years.

Avlock International supplies fischer International's Industrial and Project Fixing Systems in South Africa, supporting engineers and specifiers in selecting anchoring solutions for major infrastructure projects with demanding service-life requirements.

09/10/2026

INDUSTRIAL SHRINK WRAP: PROTECTION, PRESENTATION AND PACKAGING EFFICIENCY

Industrial shrink wrap is widely used across manufacturing, food processing, retail and distribution to protect products, secure multiple items together and prepare goods for storage, handling and transport.

What is shrink wrap and how does it work?

Shrink wrap is a polymer film that contracts when exposed to controlled heat. The film is placed around a product or group of products and passed through a heat tunnel or exposed to an appropriate heat source. As it shrinks, it conforms closely to the contents, creating a secure, fitted package.

Unlike stretch film, which relies on tension to contain a load, shrink film uses heat to achieve its fit.

What does shrink wrap do?

Shrink film helps protect products from dust, dirt and handling contamination, keeps multiple items together and reduces movement within bundled packs.

Transparent film allows products and labels to remain visible, making identification and inspection easier. Properly sealed packaging can also provide visible evidence of interference.

Shrink wrapping is particularly effective in repetitive, high-volume operations where consistency, speed and efficient material use are commercial priorities.

Where is shrink wrap used?

Applications extend across several industries:

Food production: Packaging bakery products, fresh produce, frozen foods and other food products.
Manufacturing: Bundling components and finished goods.
Retail and FMCG: Creating multipacks and improving shelf presentation.
Warehousing and distribution: Securing packaged items through handling, storage and dispatch.
Industrial supply: Protecting and consolidating compatible products and components.
Choosing the correct shrink film

Film composition, thickness, puncture resistance, shrink characteristics and compatibility with packaging equipment all influence performance.

Selecting the appropriate film helps businesses achieve reliable packaging results while controlling material consumption, product damage and unnecessary repacking.

For industrial shrink wrap enquiries, specifications and orders, contact AvWrap, a division of Avlock International South Africa.

08/10/2026

AVLOCK INTERNATIONAL AT CONSULMET’S MINI SUPPLIERS DAY

Avlock International was pleased to participate in Consulmet’s Mini Suppliers Day, an excellent initiative bringing together engineering specialists, manufacturers and suppliers serving South Africa’s mining and mineral processing industries.

The event provided an opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, exchange technical knowledge and showcase Avlock International’s specialised fastening systems, including fischer International’s industrial and project fastening systems, available through Avlock in South Africa.

As a South African manufacturer and distributor with a long history of supporting industry, we value opportunities to strengthen relationships with engineering and project teams and demonstrate the capabilities available within the local supply chain.

Our thanks to the Consulmet team for hosting a well-organised and productive event, and for creating a platform that encourages meaningful engagement between suppliers and the engineering sector.

Consulmet SA (Pty) Ltd
fischer group

07/10/2026

ENGAGE
When an anchor is carrying a substantial structural load, the performance of the fixing depends on what is happening inside the concrete.

fischer FIS HB is a styrene-free vinyl ester injection mortar developed for demanding anchoring applications in concrete from C20/25 to C50/60, including cracked and non-cracked concrete.

What distinguishes FIS HB is the engineering of the connection it creates.

When used as designed, the anchor incorporates conical sections that interact with the cured mortar. As the fixing is tightened, the cones are drawn into the mortar shell. They engage with the hardened mortar and generate expansion forces against the wall of the drill hole.

This means the connection does not depend on adhesive bond alone. Bonding and mechanical interlock work together to transfer high loads into the concrete.

That becomes particularly important in cracked concrete. Structural concrete is subjected to loading, movement and changes in stress throughout its working life. Cracks can develop across an anchor position, changing the conditions surrounding the fixing. FIS HB is designed and approved for this environment, with fischer specifying high load performance in cracked concrete.

For structural engineers and specifiers, this can mean achieving the required load capacity with fewer fixing points and potentially smaller anchor plates, subject to the engineering design. For steelwork contractors, façade installers, industrial contractors and maintenance teams, it provides an engineered solution for heavily loaded connections where conventional anchoring may impose greater fixing requirements.

Typical applications include steel structures, machinery, façades, staircases, guard rails, masts and other high-load installations.

The distinction is in how the fixing works once installed. The mortar does not merely hold the anchor in place. It becomes part of an engineered connection designed to engage with the anchor and the concrete around it.

FIS HB. ENGAGE.

Tightening pulls the cones into the mortar shell.
Cones bite the mortar, locking the anchor to the concrete.