Corroshield Contapp: Design Innovation in Fasteners

How many times have we wondered whether there is a simple and effective way of fixing things onto a masonry wall? Those who think that nuts, bolts, fasteners and the like are least important items to be worried about while planning projects of any scale, could not be more wrong. A neat and fail-proof fastening system allows designers to experiment boldly. There are innovative products available in this spectrum, such as ‘Corroshield CONTAPP,’ which claims to save on execution time, and guarantees safety.

In the normal process of fastening, one would drill a hole (bigger than the screw) and insert a PVC sleeve or a wooden wall plug, then drive a screw inside that expands to grip. The process is opposite for Contapp. One needs to drill a small hole in the surface and drive the fastener directly into the concrete or masonary. The grip is stronger due to the hi-low double thread design that effectively cuts into the concrete.

This technology has been developed by a Singaporean company by the name of Engineering Edge Pte Ltd. At the forefront of fastener industry for the past 15 years, it specialises in the developing and manufacturing of high corrosion resistant fasteners for the steel building and metal roofing industries. It also boasts of two factories in Taiwan with a total production capacity of 1,000 metric tons. With a vast export market- share in Europe, USA, Middle-East and South-east Asia, its Corroshield products are available in India through Asons Enterprise, its sole authorised distributor. Asons, a 10-year old industrial marketing company, operates out of its head office in Chennai and has a web of dealer networks across major Indian cities.

Contapp is a part of the Corroshield product range. As the name suggests, it is designed to self-tap into concrete for the grip. It has been introduced in the Indian market at a competitive price, as Huzefa Abbas the Director of Asons Enterprise says, “(The) Indian market is extremely price-sensitive and shifting the market from using conventional fastening methods to using the latest in technology, requires a considerable amount of pricing strategy.” This may be a new product, high on the technology quotient, but it does not need any special training for on-site execution. However, Asons has trained professionals who can provide on-site demonstration for better understanding.

Till a few years ago, the market was not considered ready for innovative products. Today, the market is well educated and is on the look-out for advancements, especially for products that save time and need minimum skills for application. The only issue with introducing products from the foreign market into India is affordability. New technologies are usually expensive, but Contapp fits within the affordable range and is therefore expected to have a reasonable rate of success.

The success of Contapp in southeast Asian markets, which have been through a similar acceptance curve for new technology, further indicates that this will be an appropriate product for India, where 80% of permanent construction is carried out is masonry.

To sum up the jargon, there is a clear 3-point advantage for using Corroshield products–better workmanship, lesser installation time and a longer lifespan. And this comes with a 10-year warranty, to boot!