Thun and Atlas Copco Tools Create Assembly Team

Atlas Copco Tools and inner bearings supplier Thun have joined forces to provide manufacturers and retailers with expert support. “Within the context of component assembly, quality is a top priority for bicycle manufacturers and retailers,” says Alfred Thun, managing director of Alfred Thun GmbH & Co. “Our cooperation is called the Assembly Team.”

“Our main customers, the bicycle manufacturers are faced with a whole host of demands, like customer satisfaction, warranties, product liability, traceability, and REACH, etc. In addition, compliance must be ensured with new rules such as those relating to the EU-wide directive governing vibrations in the workplace.

The current requirements can only be met by using modern methods and techniques. Bicycle manufacturers need to be able to rely on an assembly technology that is capable of working perfectly and reliably day in, day out despite the realities of the factory.”

“Our common goal is to help identify assembly problems and solve them using the latest assembly technology. These technologies are not just suitable for use with inner bearings, but for all other components as well”, concludes Alfred Thun.

Thun is one of the major European suppliers of inner bearings for bicycles. Atlas Copco Tools provides assembly tools for use in special automotive applications, household goods, aeronautics. On the product range of Thun; their bb-cartridges have the ‘Made in Germany’ mark, something which is important as it makes it easier to fulfil a tax condition that is particular to Europe – the 60/40 rule. “As well as all this,” continues Alfred Thun; “Our cartridges are extremely easy to install and are completely compatible with all gear sets. Because they use industrial-standard ball bearings, they are extremely hard-wearing and maintenance-free.

“We see our bb-cartridges and the technical concept behind them to be the final stage in a long evolutionary process. But. we still see huge potential for improvement. Because of that we will be following an investment programme that will see around 18% of turnover being ploughed back into process optimisation up to 2010.”