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Red dot design award 2010 for "Wera Zyklop"

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:20:00 +0200

Wuppertal. The coveted seal of quality "red dot" for high design quality was now handed over to the screwdriving tool specialist Wera from Germany.

The ratchet innovation "Zyklop" was awarded by an international jury of experts at the ceremony in July 2010. Overall, designers and companies from 57 countries participated with 4252 products on the current competition. Design expert Professor Dr. Peter Zec initiator of the red dot design award: "With the "red dot" the jury honors an "outstanding design and innovative approach".

The universal ratchet "Zyklop" combines the functions of five different ratchets and one screwdriver in just the one tool. Fast working speeds are achieved by a flywheel mechanism that is combined with a free-spinning sleeve. The ratchet head pivots freely and can be set so that the screw or socket and the ratchet form an axis, like a screwdriver. In this 0° position the ratchet requires only a quick turn and continues to spin like a top. This saves time because the ratchet does not have to be set to an angular position, except for the initial loosening or final tightening of the screw or nut. The Zyklop works three times faster than conventional ratchets.

The particularly ergonomic Kraftform handle, well known from featuring on Wera screwdrivers and other Wera tools, and the rotationally symmetric construction transfer torque perfectly for fast, effortless fastening that is easy on the joints. A small return angle of only 5° makes it possible to work comfortably even in confined spaces. The catchy name Zyklop was derived from the product design.

The design of the product line is visible even in the ratchet boxes. The "Zyklop" is one of the most successful product launches from the company. Wera was already awarded in 2009 with the "iF product design award 2009". In the first two years after the market launch more than 100,000 products were sold. From the re-award Wera hopes to further boost the ratchet sales.

At the International Hardware Fair 2010, Wera even extended the ratchet range. The multi-functional ratchet "Koloss" is the first ratchet that can be used not only for fastening but also for hammering, striking and aligning without risking any damage to the tool. In addition, Wera now offers a robust yet extremely delicate bit ratchet for confined applications.

More information:
Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG
Korzerter Straße 21-25
42349 Wuppertal
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)2 02 / 40 45 322
Fax: 40 36 34
E-Mail: info@wera.de
Internet: www.wera.de

TECHNO PRESS
Presseinformationsdienst
Olaf Strubelt
Postfach 10 04 49
42004 Wuppertal - Germany
Telefon: +49 (0)2 02 / 9 70 10 0
Fax: +49 (0)2 02 / 9 70 10 50
E-Mail: info@technopress.de

Wera presents a compact and extremely robust bit ratchet

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:44:00 +0100

Cologne / Wuppertal. Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG presented an innovative robust precision tool at the International Hardware Fair / Practical World 2010 in Cologne. The new bit ratchet in a Kraftform design represents a particularly compact special solution that rounds off the range of ratchets made by the tool specialist.

The new tool was developed for working environments where cramped conditions make the use of manual or power screwdrivers impossible. This Wera innovation represents a practical solution to a number of applications, including trade and industry and other specialist areas, such as medical technology, precision engineering, bicycle/motorbike technology and vehicle or furniture assembly.

The Wera bit ratchet is designed for easy, flexible fastening using 1/4" bits and sockets. It is not only very compact but also extraordinarily robust. Forged from solid steel, the tool is able to transfer 65 Nm of torque, which according to the manufacturer is an extremely high value. The tool can also be used with Wera’s Rapidaptor bit holder, which functions as an extension with a free-spinning sleeve for better guidance. The Wera bit ratchet has a fine tooth mechanism with 60 teeth resulting in a small return angle of only 6°. The forward and reverse switch has been designed so that it can also be operated with greasy hands.

The Wera bit ratchet achieves high working speeds, not least thanks to its thumb wheel, which can be used to fasten or loosen screws. This feature greatly accelerates the fastening process because the handle has to be used only for the last few turns. The new Wera bit ratchet has a matt chrome surface that offers special corrosion protection and provides high wear resistance. Ergonomics and product design had to meet exacting requirements during the development. As a result, the tool also shares Wera’s unique Kraftform design. The Wera bit ratchet is sold individually or as part of a set. The set includes a 31-piece Bit-Check with a bit ratchet and an adaptor for 1/4" sockets.

Further information:
Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG
Korzerter Straße 21-25, 42349 Wuppertal, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)2 02 / 40 45 311, Fax: 40 36 34
Email: info@wera.de, Internet: www.wera.de
TECHNO PRESS

Captions:
Product photo:
The new bit ratchet in a Kraftform design is a particularly compact special solution that rounds off Wera’s ratchet range.

Application photo (e.g. windows):
The new Wera bit ratchet was developed for working conditions where confined space makes the use of manual or power screwdrivers impossible.

Image of Bit-Check attached to belt:
A new set includes a 30-piece Bit-Check with a bit ratchet, an adaptor for 1/4" sockets and a Rapidaptor holder.

Photos: Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG

Wera Koloss: The first tool to combine ratchet and hammer!

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:02:00 +0100

Cologne / Wuppertal. Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG presented a literally very strong world first in the assembly tool segment at the International Hardware Fair / Practical World 2010 in Cologne. The multi-functional Koloss developed by the tool specialist is the first ratchet that can be used not only for fastening but also for hammering, striking and aligning without risking any damage to the tool.

Following the successful introduction of the Zyklop ratchet, Wera is once again presenting a fastening tool with special features that have never been available on the market in this format. The starting point for the new development was the fact that ratchets are often used as hammers in real life – a practice that often results in the destruction of conventional tools. By contrast, the new Koloss can safely be used as a hammer; in fact, it was specifically designed for this purpose.

The distinctive names Koloss and Zyklop from Greek mythology were chosen by Wera to give these two unusual tools a unique position in the market. At the trade fair Wera emphasised that the Koloss with its multi-functional features opens up a completely new tool segment. It has been designed for a wide range of applications and replaces two separate tools. Typical applications that involve hammering and fastening in quick succession include mechanical engineering, vehicle construction and maintenance, civil engineering, industrial maintenance and wood or metal working.

During the product presentation at the Cologne fair Wera explained why the combination of ratchet and hammer has to meet higher quality requirements. Since hammering subjects the tool to extremely high forces the hammer head is pinned to the shaft in a form-fit joint to prevent any part of the tool from accidentally becoming detached. Although designed to be protected during hammering, the square drive, inadvertently left in the drive position, automatically gives way to impacts and therefore cannot be damaged. The zinc phosphate-coated hammer head is drop forged to ensure that the tool can be properly used as a hammer. The hammer area can be covered with a protective pad, if necessary. The tubular hammer/ratchet shaft is a particularly useful feature because it minimises impact vibrations and protects users against injury.

As a complete 1/2” reversible heavy-duty ratchet Wera’s new Koloss is suitable for forceful loosening and fastening of screw connections as well as precision work in delicate applications. The fine-tooth reversible ratchet has a return angle of only 6°. This makes it easy to work even in confined conditions. The Koloss has a forward/reverse function designed for heavy-duty applications. The push-through square drive was developed specifically for these special requirements and is considerably more robust than a switch-based forward/reverse mechanism. The manufacturer guarantees tool’s reliability at loads of 600 Nm. The new ratchet has a number of other practical features and functions that make work easier. A removable retaining ring allows the Koloss to be cleaned or lubricated without any problems. The shape of the handle is based on the Kraftform design used in other Wera tools and has been modified to provide optimum ergonomics also for hammering.

Wera offers a wide range of accessories for the Koloss to deal with a variety of everyday requirements. The extension enables users to transfer more torque and prevents any risk of damage or injury potentially caused by the improper use of pipes or other similar objects. A pin, which fits into the end of the handle, can be used to centre lugs or align drill holes, for example. Rubber pad attachments are available for the striking faces to protect surfaces and components.

Further information:
Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG
Korzerter Straße 21-25, 42349 Wuppertal, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)2 02 / 40 45 311, Fax: 40 36 34
E-Mail: info@wera.de, Internet: www.wera.de
TECHNO PRESS

Caption:
Product photo
The multi-functional Koloss developed by Wera, the tool specialist, is the first ratchet that can be used not only for fastening but also for hammering, striking and aligning without any risk.

Application photo of hammering
The Koloss is a fully functional hammer with a drop-forged, zinc phosphate-coated hammer head. The square drive gives way to impacts to prevent it from becoming damaged when the tool is used as a hammer. The dry fined striking faces can be covered with a protective pad, if necessary.

Application photo of fastening
Wera’s new Koloss is a fully functional 1/2” reversible heavy-duty ratchet and suitable for forceful loosening and fastening of screw connections as well as precision work in delicate applications.

Photos: Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG

International Hardware Fair 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:25:00 +0100

Positive 2009 performance despite difficult trading conditions / strengthened position in Germany and a number of international markets / ongoing loyalty programme for trading partners during 2010 World Cup / restructured sales organisation in Wuppertal HQ

Cologne / Wuppertal. The Wuppertal-based tool specialist Wera Tools has announced that exciting, demand-oriented innovations for trade and industry will be launched at this year’s International Hardware Fair in Cologne (28 February to 3 March 2010 / hall 10.1, J12/K13).

In the run-up to the show the company emphasised that despite a slight decline in sales caused by the global financial and economic crisis, it strengthened its already enviably strong position in specialist industries and at an international level generated sales growth in a number of countries. One of the many reasons for this was the success of the innovative Zyklop ratchet range, which received the prestigious iF Design Award and sold more than 100,000 units.

The company provided ongoing support to specialist tool retailers to help improve their approach to selling Wera products, through utilisation of tailored product training, special offers and promotion opportunities. As part of an exclusive loyalty programme, marking the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Wera is currently rewarding high-performing trading partners with official football shirts for their supported nation.

Looking ahead to 2010, Ralf Tessun, who has been responsible for all European markets as Sales Director for Europe since 1 January, was optimistic, "Everyone knows no Cologne Fair is complete without the launch of a true Wera innovation. After Wera was voted most innovative manufacturer of the year by the members of the Central Association of the Hardware Trade again in 2009, we became even more determined to live up to our reputation throughout 2010 as well. I can promise visitors to the International Hardware Fair a remarkable innovation, which is going to cause as much of a sensation as the Zyklop ratchet did two years ago."

At the turn of the year Wera optimised its sales organisation to take advantage of new growth potential at international level. The new Sales Director for Europe Ralf Tessun (46) was previously responsible for sales in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. By widening his remit Wera is acknowledging that the European markets are increasingly becoming more similar, and that centralised responsibility and market cultivation should generate significant synergy effects. The previous Director of International Sales Ralf Jösch (49) is taking on the also newly created position of Overseas Sales Director, in order to intensify the cultivation of the increasingly promising markets outside Europe.

Wera are at the International Hardware Fair 2010 in hall 10.1, J12/K13

Further information:

Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG
Korzerter Straße 21-25
D-42349 Wuppertal
Tel.: +49 (0)2 02 / 40 45 311, Fax: 40 36 34

E-Mail: info@wera.de, Internet: www.wera.de

“iF product design award 2009” for ratchet innovation “Zyklop” from Wera.

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:47:00 +0100

Wuppertal. For 55 years „iF International Forum Design GmbH“ has awarded products which stand out from all others due to pioneering indus-trial design, and have become true trend setters in their category. The “iF Product Design Award” is one of the most important design awards available, this year with more than 3000 applications from 40 countries.

Screwdriving tool specialist Wera Tools, with its headquarters in Wuppertal, Germany, has been awarded an “iF Product Design Award” for 2009. The groundbreaking Zyklop ratchet greatly impressed the international jury, who considered the following factors: design quality, workmanship, choice of materials, degree of innovation, environmental compatibility, functionality, ergonomics, visualisation of use, safety, brand value & universal design. The award show takes place on the first day of the CeBIT exhibition in Hannover, Germany (March, 3, 2009). From then on the Zyklop will be on dis-play at the exhibition of the iF product design award winners at Hannover, from March to August 2009.

The Zyklop ratchet combines the functionality of five ratchet types and a screwdriver in just one tool, as well as adding several completely unique features never seen before on a ratchet. Of industrial quality, it can take the harsh demands of workshop use, as well as delivering incredible working speeds. This speed results from the rotating mass design, in combination with the free wheel sleeve. Just like a spinning top, the user gives a brief spin and the ratchet turns quickly and steadily.

Its swivelling head brings to mind the image of a Cyclops, with its single eye in the middle of its forehead, hence the catchy Zyklop name - inspired by the distinctive product design. This unmistakable design is also carried across into the Zyklop box sets, which themselves introduce several unique fea-tures.

This award is a significant milestone for Wera, and will be an important point of reference in the market as it clearly recognises not only the Zyklops’ unique & appealing aesthetics, but also its unbeatable functionality. By di-versifying in this way Wera has extended its product spectrum, bringing to the ratchet market the excellent reputation & experience it has built through 70 years of manufacturing the highest quality, most innovative screwdriving tools available.

For more information:
Wera Tools (UK) Ltd
Tel: 01246 277756 // Fax: 01246 273335
Email: queries@wera-tools.co.uk
Web: www.wera-tools.co.uk

Wera: new “High Tech Kontaktor” for electrical contacts

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:01:00 +0200

Wuppertal. The Wuppertal tool specialist Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG now extends the “Wera Kraftform Fluid” line that it successfully introduced in 2007 by adding an innovation for the electrical sector. In the form of “High Tech Kontaktor” Wera now offers a demand-geared solution for protection or restoration of the electrical conductivity of contacts on electrical components.

Thanks to its special formula, the Wera “High Tech Kontaktor” eliminates gummy contact greases as well as oxide and sulphide layers quickly and reliably. Leakage current is stopped dependably and contact resistance eliminated.

Use of the new “fluid screw tool” is recommended particularly wherever environmental influences cause contact separation and lead to insulating oxidation or gumming of contact greases. After all, the conductivity decreases there while at the same time the contact resistance increases. In addition, there is a risk that over time electrical contact is lost completely.

The new “High Tech Kontaktor” has the highly active property of displacing water and moisture. At the same time with its special formula it provides contacts with long-lasting protection against moisture and corrosion.

To ensure that the fluid can always be used with the optimal spray technique, the “High Tech Kontaktor” not only has an aerosol spray head for spraying over an extensive area, but also two demand-geared spray tubes – a short one for targeted spraying as well as a 10 cm long spray tube for application spaces that are difficult to access.

The Kraftform Fluid line has complemented Wera’s broad range of screw tools in line with demand since 2007. The fluid problem-solvers “High Tech Screw Releaser”, “High Tech Stainless Steel Protector” and “High Tech Ceramic Paste” have been available since the product line was introduced on the market. The extraordinary packaging design, modelled after the well-known Kraftform screwdriver handle, is a common feature of all products of the “Kraftform Fluid” family. The aerosol can of the new “High Tech Kontaktor” immediately indicates the area of application in the electrical sector to the user through its red-yellow colouring.

Innovative ratchet for rapid turning work

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:35:00 +0200

Frankfurt am Main / Wuppertal. Ratchets number among the most important tools for assembly and repair work in automotive technology. This is demonstrated very clearly in work on gears and engines. In engines there are numerous screw connections, from the cylinder head to the connecting rod bearing, that have to be loosened for maintenance.

Often they are so difficult to access that normal spanners cannot be used. The special transmission of force and leverage of a ratchet is indispensable for performing all these screwing jobs efficiently. This means not only screws and bolts of different sizes and types can be loosened or tightened, but parts of the vehicle that are difficult to access can be reached without any problem.

By virtue of the “Zyklop” ratchet it presented at the Automechanika 2008 in Frankfurt, the Wuppertal tool specialist Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG furnished proof that there is optimization potential even for a presumably perfected tool like the ratchet. By means of this innovation, states the manufacturer, it is possible to work significantly faster than with conventional ratchets. In addition, the “Zyklop” is almost universally applicable and can thus replace several types of ratchet in a single tool.

The high working speed is achieved thanks to a swivelling ratchet head. It can be set in such a way that, as with a screwdriver, the bolt or nut and ratchet form an axis. In this zero-degree position a special rotating mass design provides for acceleration of the screwing process. In combination with a freewheel sleeve the ratchet is merely “turned briefly” and then continues to turn like a spinning top. This saves time because the ratchet is put in an offset position merely for initial loosening or final tightening of the bolt or nut. According to Wera, the “Zyklop” screws three times as fast as conventional ratchets. In addition, the exceptionally ergonomic “Kraftform” handle with rotationally symmetric design, known from other Wera tools, guarantees good force transmission and thus rapid, joint-friendly and fatigue-free screwing.

Wera’s new “Zyklop” offers a combination of six different tools altogether with an offset ratchet, flex head ratchet, nut fixing ratchet, fine-toothed ratchet, power ratchet and screwdriver. The Zyklop’s swivelling ratchet head, for example, performs the function of a flex head ratchet enabling the user to reach even difficult-to-access screw positions. The defined lock positions at 0°, 90° and 15° (from 90° position) ensure reliable work without any slipping of the ratchet head. Sliding switches mounted on both sides enable unlocking in every position. As a fine-toothed reversible ratchet with 72 teeth, the ”Zyklop” has a return angle of only 5-6°. This enables precise work with short travel and facilitates screwing in extremely confined installation situations without much room for leverage. This means it is not only suitable for powerful detachment and tightening of screw connections, but also for careful work in sensitive areas of application. Furthermore, the “Zyklop” can be used with the ratchet head in the zero position and while employing a bit as a screwdriver. The bottom line is that it optimally meets a wide variety of screwing requirements with a single tool.

Wera – developing innovative ideas for screw tools

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:47:00 +0200

Frankfurt am Main / Wuppertal. Innovation based on good tradition is the trademark of toolmaker Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG (Wuppertal). The company just presented demand-geared solutions for application in workshops and industrial assembly at the Automechanika 2008 in Frankfurt.

As was stated at the trade fair, Wera has developed into a successful and internationally recognized corporation in its over 70-year company history. Instead of opting for diversification, the manufacturer consistently focused on the development and production of ergonomic and durable screw tools for professionals – from screwdrivers, ratchets and bits all the way to L-keys and torque tools.

“In industry and the craft trades it is a long-established fact that Wera introduces a large number of innovations on the market every year. The most frequently asked question of customers, therefore, is not whether Wera will bring out a new innovation, but what kind of innovation it will be,” says Marketing Manager Detlef Seyfarth. The goal, he adds, is always to offer users specific solutions for their problems.

A very successful example is the Wera chiseldriver. Through this product Wera demonstrated that screwdrivers are misused for diverse jobs in the workshop. A screwing tool for extra hard “side jobs” was developed against this background. The chiseldriver has an integrated impact cap and a hexagon “pound-thru” blade. This makes the tool so rugged that, for example, you can even knock off screw clamps with it. Furthermore, it can be additionally used as a chisel.

The latest innovation is a ratchet with the attention-getting name “Zyklop”. The main advantages are the high working speed and combined advantages of five types of ratchet in a single tool. In addition to several demand-geared ratchet sizes, Wera offers various sets with accessories like extensions, sockets and sliding t-handles. As the company states, the broad spectrum of ideas developed by Wera is reflected in the numerous product advantages and the innovative product represents a real quantum jump in the ratchet market.

In this context Wera points to its systematically organized innovation process. Supported by state-of-the-art technology and software, the individual development steps are always carried out in a structured and success-oriented manner. The process ranges from idea management encompassing current creativity techniques to the construction of prototypes and extends all the way to user-oriented training for all employees and partners in Sales. To provide customers with the greatest possible benefit, the users become involved in the development of new products in professionally conducted circles. Furthermore, the distributive trade and users have access to a training and competence centre, the “Werarium” in Wuppertal, which - according to Wera – is unique in the sector.

To ensure that Wera can continue to operate successfully worldwide in the future, the Wuppertal company implements a global industrial property rights strategy. With more than 300 industrial property rights Wera is considered to be the innovation leader in the screw tools segment. Thanks to international market monitoring, measures can be taken immediately in the event of violation of industrial property rights. Imitations are then removed from the market at once, stocks as well as production equipment are eliminated promptly.

Drill and screwdriver bits from the one source

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:04:00 +0200

Cologne / Wuppertal. The tool specialist for screwdrivers and bits Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG has presented its new special ranges at Practical World 2008. Because screwdriving and drilling are often two interlinked processes Wera now provides its users on the craft and industrial sectors with various drill bits and combined drill and screwdriver bit sets. The company is therefore expanding its product range in the field of drilling applications.

The range now includes a nineteen-piece set of metal twist drill and screw bits and an eighteen-piece set of wood twist drill and screw bits. Both sets come in practical bags with velcro flaps. The user then has a convenient set of drill and screwdriving tools within easy reach. Besides these combined sets Wera also offers special drill bits for the most diverse requirements, e.g. combined tap and core drills, countersinks, practical sets of HSS stepped drills, etc.

All sets are delivered complete with Wera’s patented Rapidaptor quick release mount. This can be inserted in cordless and electric screwdrivers as well as in the chucks of electronic drilling machines. This universal mount greatly accelerates bit changes without auxiliary tools. The bit is simply pushed into the receiver and engages automatically as soon as it is placed in the screw or at the drilling point. In addition, the user can control drilling or screwdriving reliably by holding the tool’s free turning activation sleeve – a great help when positioning on the screw or drilling point. Consequently, slipping and therefore possible damage to the workpiece can be eliminated.

Further information:
Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG
Korzerter Str. 21–25, D-42349 Wuppertal
tel +49 (0)202 4045322, fax 403634
email: info@wera.de, internet:
www.wera.de

Caption:

Wera_Practical World 2008_Bits_09-03-08
Wera presented its new screwdriver and drill bit sets at Practical World 2008, the International Hardware Fair in Cologne. The range covers a broad field of screwdriving and drilling applications. The combined drill and screw bit sets are fitted as standard with the Rapidaptor quick release mount. Also available are various special drill bits.

Wera presents nutsetters of stainless steel

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:12:00 +0100

Cologne / Wuppertal. At the International Hardware Fair Practical World 2008 in Cologne the Wuppertal tool manufacturer Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG presented its new nutsetters of stainless steel. The company is therefore expanding its Stainless range with further needs-based elements.

During the trade fair presentation users were assured that it is now possible to prevent the risk of extraneous rust even on hex screws. The nutsetters of stainless steel can be used above all for facade work where stainless steel hardware and surfaces are to exhibit not only a durable, high-quality visual appeal, but also great stability and strength. When tools of conventional steel are used in assembly, abrasion can cause corrosion even on stainless steel screws that are otherwise taken to be “nonrusting”. This so-called “extraneous rust” proves detrimental to both the visual appeal and static safety.

The Wera nutsetter features a 1/4" hex drive and is designed for receivers under DIN 3126-F 6,3, ISO 1173. An additional product advantage takes the form of an integrated retaining spring. This means that also nonmagnetic stainless steel screws are securely retaining during screwdriving and do not fall out or slip and damage the workpiece.

The stainless steel nutsetters are available singly or in a practical waist bag with eight elements and come in the sizes 5, 5.5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2".

Further information:
Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG
Korzerter Str. 21–25, D-42349 Wuppertal
tel +49 (0)202 4045322, fax 403634
email: info@wera.de, internet: www.wera.de

Captions:

Wera_Practical World 2008_Nutsetters_09-03-08
At the International Hardware Fair Practical World 2008 the tool specialist Wera presented its new nutsetters of stainless steel. The company is therefore expanding its Stainless range with needs-based tools grasping around the screw.

Wera_Practical World 2008_Bag Nutsetters_09-03-08
The new Wera stainless steel nutsetters protect against extraneous rust on hex screws of stainless steel and on stainless steel surfaces. They are suitable e.g. for the installation of large-area stainless steel elements in facade work.