Beware of counterfeit MiniTec Powerlock fasteners

(See MiniTec UK at MachineBuilding.Live, 2 October 2024, on stand 14)

Counterfeit goods, defined as those falsely claiming to be genuine, are a growing issue worldwide, costing billions in economic losses annually. For manufacturers like MiniTec and its customers, these products not only undermine trust but also pose serious risks. Unlike authentic MiniTec products, counterfeit versions often use substandard materials and lack the rigorous testing and safety certifications essential for industrial applications.

To protect your operations from the dangers of counterfeit Powerlock fasteners, it's crucial to be vigilant. Here are some key indicators to help you identify counterfeit products:

Pre-assembled Connectors: Genuine MiniTec connectors are delivered pre-assembled. Counterfeits may require you to screw in the threaded pin yourself and pick the screws separately.

Manufacturer Marking: Authentic products have clear manufacturer markings. Counterfeits often lack these imprints.

Pan Head Screw Fit: MiniTec's M8 pan head screws should fit seamlessly into the profile groove. Counterfeit screws may get stuck, depending on how you turn the screw head, making it impossible to push the connector into the groove.

Bore Size: The 8 mm bore for the pan head screw in counterfeit products may be too small, preventing the screw from fitting through the hole.

Set Pin Length: The set pin in counterfeit Powerlocks is often shorter (M8x12) compared to the genuine MiniTec Powerlock (M8x16).

Teeth Quality: Genuine products have pointed teeth. Counterfeits typically feature rounded teeth, which compromise displacement values.

ESD Tooth: Authentic Powerlocks include an ESD tooth for electrical conductivity, which is often missing or insufficient in counterfeits.

Material Quality: Genuine MiniTec products are not die-cast, whereas counterfeit versions frequently are.

Strength Tolerance: Counterfeit products exhibit strength far below the tolerance levels of MiniTec's Powerlock fasteners.

Risks of using counterfeit products

The consequences of using counterfeit Powerlock fasteners can be severe. Instances of malfunction or failure could lead to extensive production downtime, substantial financial losses, or even legal liabilities in cases of injury or equipment damage. Such counterfeit products, despite external similarities, fail to meet the stringent performance standards and safety assurances upheld by genuine MiniTec equipment.

To mitigate these risks, MiniTec emphasises the importance of sourcing products directly from authorised distributors or the manufacturer itself. This ensures compliance with industry standards and reduces the risk of inadvertently integrating counterfeit components into critical manufacturing systems. Additionally, businesses should adopt robust counterfeit prevention policies and verify suppliers' adherence to these standards.

Proactive measures

Marking Products: Utilise unique identifiers and secure packaging to help identify genuine products.

Secure Supply Chain: Maintain a counterfeit prevention policy focused on ensuring a secure supply chain.

MiniTec UK is a leading UK supplier and integrator of modular aluminium profile building systems, committed to delivering high-quality, traceable products. The company collaborates closely with global businesses to provide tailored solutions - from safety guards to automated assembly lines - that prioritise reliability and safety.

For further guidance on safeguarding your operations against counterfeit risks and ensuring compliance with industry norms, MiniTec encourages customers to engage directly with its knowledgeable team.