Certain innovations in the panel fixings market are so ingrained in the history of furniture production that their backstory deserves to be told. And, while that’s the case, manufacturers in the field of connector technologies know they can also never stand still. With continuous demand for processes in the manufacturing industry to become more efficient, any new product that can grant joiners and installers the luxuries of greater time saving, and improved reliability are those which will have the most impact.
Häfele, which manufactures and distributes furniture fittings, lighting, hardware, ironmongery and accessories, has one of the strongest legacies in panel fixings and connector technologies in the construction industry. Having created Minifix, one of the earliest connector systems on the market, its ongoing commitment to innovation and development has since seen it introduce several evolutionary products that overcome the challenges of the modern tradesperson.
Here, we explore two of its most reputable and renowned solutions, both of which support its customers to speed up the delivery of finished products and projects, while simultaneously improving quality of finish.
The Minifix legacy
A global company, Häfele has long developed and distributed manufacturing and joinery products that are loved and relied on by professionals across the industry. But it is the Minifix which completely revolutionised the world of furniture, and still dominates it today.
In 1954, 31 years after the business was established as a distributor of specialist products for the hardware and tool industry in Aulendorf in Württemberg, Häfele made its first steps into production. From the outset, its founders had a clear focus – make innovative products based on customer need – which is a mission that serves it as well now as it did seven decades ago.
Fast forward 20 years later, and its emphasis on innovation reached new levels with the set-up of an in-house development department in Germany. From this home in Nagold, Häfele began designing solutions that have had a lasting influence on furniture construction and how we join materials today.
In 1983, the Minifix connector system emerged from the production line for the first time. Using a centric ball principle, it combines a cylindrical eccentric box and cylindrical pin, which work to connect two panels using a clamping force – superior to that of other systems, including cams and pins – to bring the parts of a piece of furniture together.
Immediately recognised as a simple mechanism with a highly effective outcome, the Minifix quickly became integral to the daily lives of furniture manufacturers and professional woodworkers the world over. It was sought by those looking to easily assemble furniture without the need for specialist tools, and who also wanted to save time and money compared to alternative options. And over the years that followed, it also paved the way for flatpack, self-assembly furniture, with manufacturers able to provide homeowners with the easy-to-use Minifix alongside the required panels, to construct their own products.
Today, the Minifix is available in more than 30 variations and over 500 million units are produced by Häfele Berlin each year, making it one of the most iconic and influential panel fixings available on the market.
Connection technology continued
A more recent addition to Häfele’s series of functional elements for tool-free furniture construction, the Häfele IXConnect spreading connector SC 8/25 is a one-piece connector that requires no glue, dowels or tools to install.
Simple in design and entirely concealed once complete, the connector has been developed as a patented piece of technology to dramatically improve furniture manufacturing, by offering a simple and efficient ‘plug and push’ process.
To use, installers can push the connectors into an 8mm hole before pushing the panel components together by hand, triggering both bolt components of the connector to synchronously expand in the drill hole. Used for cabinets, small furniture items, and drawers, the connectors feature a fixed concealed connection, which means the panels won’t come apart.
Made for a minimum thickness of 15mm, the IXConnect spreading connector is made from plastic and can be used in MDF and chipboard panels in combination with wooden dowels. The IXConnect spreading connector 8/25 is also covered by a 25-year lifetime guarantee for added peace of mind.
Continually harking back to its focus on designing products for customer need, Häfele has used the success of the Minifix, and its ability to improve manufacturing performance, as a basis for the development of other game-changing products which will continue to influence the industry for decades to come. Astute in its understanding of the daily needs of joiners and installers across the world today, there is only one question to ask – what will it create next?
The Minifix and IXConnect will be on show on Häfele’s stand (4C16) at the InstallerSHOW, 25th-27th June at the NEC.
