Mayank Kalra, India Managing Director, fischer Group, discusses the application of fasteners and connections in the construction of outdoor and indoor segments, and in infra development projects; the company’s focus on innovative methodologies and advanced technologies, and shares a closer understanding of their usage by structural consultants, planners, and architects.

the construction of outdoor and indoor segments

What products and services is fischer offering to the Indian construction sector?

At fischer India, we are committed to the advancement of the construction process through extensive research by experts on Connection Interactions, Seismic Behaviour of Structures, Structural Retrofitting, Fire Designs of Connections, and the Necessity of Governing Standards.

Fischer products have been used in a variety of construction projects in India. For example, numerous steel and chemical anchors and other solutions by fischer were used in the construction in India’s “Statue of Unity”, which towers above all other statues in the world at 182 meters, and in important projects such as the Jewar International Airport, the Central Vista, the Diamond Quadrilateral project, and the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation.

Fischer has a presence across India with over 110 techno commercial sales and technical representatives and over 300 channel partners. This extensive partner network significantly expands fischer India’s reach and distribution capabilities, making its products and solutions accessible to a diverse clientele and projects.

The company operates in over 150 countries worldwide, offering readily available products and technical support to its customers. Fischer also provides comprehensive technical data, installation guides, and online tools to help users select the right anchor for their specific needs.

Fischer Group
With over 75+ years of experience in the industry, Fischer has earned a well- deserved reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation in the construction industry that help clients build robust structures as per their architectural specifications.

Mayank Kalra

What recent innovations has fischer introduced to the construction industry?

fischer is leading the way with ground-breaking innovations. For instance, our BauBot robot automates construction site tasks, creating precise drill holes and installing fischer fixing solutions, thereby increasing efficiency, and reducing errors. fischer’s BIM solutions merge digital and real elements, enabling customers to create digital twins of their projects and leverage tailored BIM engineering services.

Construction Monitoring is another world-first by fischer, combining intelligent, connected fixing technology with cloud-based monitoring. By integrating sensor-integrated products like the SensorAnchor and SensorDisc, construction professionals can monitor prestressing forces in fastenings, ensuring the longevity, sustainability, and safety of structures.

the construction of outdoor and indoor segments

What is the importance of quality anchors and fasteners in the construction industry?

Anchors and fasteners are essential components in the construction industry, providing structural integrity, distributing loads and forces, enabling diverse applications, enhancing safety and longevity, and even contributing to aesthetics.

These small but critical elements securely connect different components of a structure, preventing them from coming apart or shifting under pressure. They ensure the stability and safety of buildings and other structures. By distributing forces evenly throughout the structure, anchors and fasteners prevent them from concentrating on any one point and causing failure. Their versatility allows them to be used in a wide range of applications, from attaching cabinets to walls to securing heavy machinery to foundations.

Anchors and fasteners also contribute to the aesthetics of a structure, with decorative options adding style and elegance to architectural elements. In addition to their functional benefits, these components enhance the safety of occupants and contribute to the longevity of the structure.

Well-anchored buildings can withstand the test of time and provide a secure environment for generations to come. Anchors and fasteners, often overlooked, are the unsung heroes of the construction industry. They encompass a wide range of solutions, including Installation Systems, Façade Systems, Passive FireStop Solutions, Fire and Gas Actuated Fastening Solutions, all of which contribute to the stability and longevity of buildings.

What are the characteristics of fischer anchors and fasteners?

Fischer Group
fischer anchors and fasteners are renowned for their high quality and reliability, making them a popular choice in the construction industry. Here are some of the key properties and qualities that set them apart:

Material and Durability

fischer anchors are typically made from high-grade carbon steel or stainless steel, offering exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion, even in harsh environments. Many fischer anchors feature additional protective coatings, such as zinc or galvanization, further enhancing their corrosion resistance and longevity. Certain fischer anchors are specifically designed for fire-rated applications, maintaining their integrity and holding strong even in high temperatures.

Load Capacity and Versatility

fischer anchors cater to diverse needs, offering a variety of load capacities to suit different applications, from lightweight fixtures to heavy machinery. They come in a variety of types and sizes ranging from wedge anchors and sleeve anchors to chemical anchors and concrete screws. Fischer’s vast selection of anchors and fasteners are designed to meet specific material types, hole sizes, and installation requirements.Fischer also offers specialised solutions for unique challenges, such as high-performance anchors for seismic zones or cavity fixings for hollow walls.

Ease of Installation and Safety

Many Fischer anchors come pre-assembled with expansion wedges or other components, simplifying and speeding up installation. Certain anchors feature undercut or torque-controlled mechanisms that ensure proper expansion and load distribution, preventing overtightening and ensuring secure fastening. Some anchors incorporate visual or audible indicators that confirm proper installation, reducing the risk of errors.

Innovation and Technology

Fischer continuously invests in research and development, incorporating innovative technologies and materials into their anchors and fasteners for improved performance and reliability. All products undergo rigorous testing and are certified to meet various international standards, ensuring their quality and compliance with safety regulations. Fischer also offers eco-friendly anchors and fasteners made from recycled materials or with reduced environmental impact.

What are their typical application areas in architectural projects?

Fischer Group
Fischer anchors and fasteners stand out for their superior material quality, diverse range, ease of use, innovative design, and commitment to sustainability. Their combination of reliability, performance, and user-friendliness makes them a trusted choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. With their remarkable versatility, Fischer anchors and fasteners are finding applications across a wide range of industries and projects. These include for securing beams, columns, and other load-bearing components, for fastening cladding panels, curtain walls, and other exterior elements to the main structure, contributing to building aesthetics and weatherproofing, and for interior fit-outs like attaching cabinets and shelves and other interior applications.

Fischer anchors and fasteners are the first choice during renovation, restoration, or for strengthening existing structures. They can effectively reinforce weakened masonry walls, concrete beams, and other structural elements. In projects involving preserving historical buildings, fischer offers specialized anchors for sensitive applications, ensuring secure fastening without damaging heritage structures.The high-strength anchors improve the earthquake resistance of existing buildings by reinforcing critical connections.

In residential applications, fischer anchors secure cabinets, sinks, toilets, and other fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens. They provide secure anchorage for balcony railings, ensuring safety and stability. They fasten awnings and blinds to walls, providing shade and privacy.

What value-added service does the company provide to its customers?

Fischer offers a comprehensive range of services to support its customers across various stages of their projects. Its pre-sales support includes technical consultation and expert guidance on selecting the right anchor or fastener for specific applications, considering factors like material type, load capacity, and installation environment.

Fischer specialists can help with project planning, recommending suitable anchoring solutions and estimating material requirements based on project specifications. fischer provides online tools and calculators to assist with anchor selection, load calculations, and installation instructions, simplifying the process for users.

fischer provides comprehensive installation instructions for each product, ensuring proper and safe application. It also offers customized on-site training sessions for contractors and installers, covering product features, installation techniques, and best practices. Instructional videos on proper installation methods for various anchors and fasteners, can be accessed through the company’s website and YouTube channel.

the construction of outdoor and indoor segments

What future trends do you envisage in the anchor fastener industry of India?

India’s construction industry is poised for significant growth, and this will have a transformative impact on the anchor fastener industry. Here are some key trends that we can expect to see in the coming years:

Increased demand for specialized and high-performance fasteners: With the rise in infrastructure projects, there will be a need for anchors that can withstand heavy loads and harsh environments. We can anticipate advancements in materials such as corrosion-resistant stainless steel and high-strength alloys. Additionally, the adoption of prefabricated construction methods will drive the demand for specialized anchors designed for quick and efficient installation.

Focus on sustainability and green practices: Environmental regulations and a growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors will drive the use of eco-friendly materials in anchor production. This includes the incorporation of recycled content and bio-based polymers. There will also be a focus on reducing construction waste, leading to innovation in reusable and removable anchors.

Automation and digitalization: The adoption of robotics and automated installation systems will improve efficiency and accuracy in large-scale projects. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twins will optimize design and enable data-driven decisions about anchor selection and placement.

E-commerce and online platforms:
Online marketplaces will gain traction, offering a wider range of products, competitive pricing, and convenient ordering processes for construction companies and individual buyers. Data analytics will personalize product recommendations and provide valuable insights on anchor selection and usage.