Insight

With a high manufacturing capability, and in 2022 alone producing more than 140 million connecting elements – using optimum processes and state of the art equipment, PRINZ is able to supply high precision solutions that can meet customers’ requirements for automotive and a variety of other industries.

Since it was founded in 1875, PRINZ has looked to ensure its long-term success and create close relationships with its customers by delivering ‘more than promised’. “Today, we are a full service supplier, offering support in product design and with the capabilities to provide custom solutions in the field of long shaft fasteners and other applications,” explains Stephan Schwarz, CEO at PRINZ GmbH. “We serve as consultants, contributing to the cost-effective and highly demanding production of our customers.”

As part of its manufacturing capabilities, PRINZ has a range of multi-stage presses (from 2 – 6 stages) that enable it to create custom fastening technology for its customers. “We develop solutions in cold forming technology, often at the limits of technological capabilities,” explains Stephan. “This means we can manufacture screw-like fasteners in all materials, ranging from short to extra long lengths of up to 2,000mm and a diameter range from 2mm to 22mm.”

PRINZ also ensures that its production processes are monitored to meet customers’ zero-defect strategies and its production is fully automated – with the ability to offer corresponding fully automated 100% inspections. “These inspections include eddy current testing, surface roughness measurements, as well as dimensional checks using cameras and lasers,” reports Stephan. “We also build our tools in our own tool shop, which gives us further control over the production processes and machinery.”

In order to ensure cost-effective and quality orientated production, PRINZ is able to work with customers on collaborative product development, which takes into account both the customers’ applications and requirements. “Our engineers, product and key account managers provide support in these efforts, including the creation of prototypes and test tools,” mentions Stephan. “We are also able to adapt geometries and use material flow simulation to transform a turned part into a cold formed component, along with the incorporation of pre-assemblies for an optimised process flow if necessary.”

Through the experience and technical knowledge within the business, PRINZ is also able to continuously expand its range of products, diameters and lengths. “We have introduced a lot of new products that are already being used in automotive applications, such as fuel cells, battery storage, mobility applications, bike carrier systems, and e-bikes,” points out Stephan. “We also have some new projects for the construction industry, but our general focus remains in the mobility sector.”

In addition to new products, PRINZ has also looked to invest within the business and its capabilities. “In order to introduce the new products, and improve productivity, we have invested in new multi-stage presses, thread rolling machines and spoke forming machines,” highlights Stephan. “The investments are aimed at helping us access new markets and produce competitively in Germany.”

Alongside the focus of competitiveness, reducing CO₂ emissions and promoting sustainable business practices have equally been prioritised by PRINZ. “We have looked at how we can make our processes more energy efficient and have introduced new compressors, LED lighting, induction heating and new washing machines,” points out Stephan. “A company’s carbon footprint and consequently the reduction of supply chains will be a crucial factor in awarding new projects. That is why we initiated sustainability analysis following the Scope principle at an early stage and also why we evaluate all our investments based on both financial and environmental return on investment.”