nir-vana innovation network

The innovative technology developed by the UK SME is fully integrated into the nail and screw gun mechanism and will automate the process of filling holes left by the guns, reduce labour and as a result reduce the overall cost of the filling task.

Disposable filler strips that contain filler material in individual cells, are automatically dispensed by the indexing system to the head of the nail, either from a roll or fixed length strip. As the nail is fired from the gun it passes through a filler capsule and into the substrate. The filler is then pushed into the nail hole and the surface wiped clean.

The filler strips offer a potentially lucrative and innovative way to
sell pre-packaged bespoke filler compositions for high return.

The technology has been perfected over a period of several years and the SME is now in a position to enter into trade negotiations with a potential partner.

Significant market research has been carried out in the USA, UK
and the Far East with end users and suitable manufacturers.

This company is offering the full license rights in return for royalties to a trade partner with established routes to market and is also seeking manufacturers and/or distributors of automatic power tools and/or filler compounds and powders for nail and screw guns in the industrial sector worldwide.

Advantages & innovations

- No integrated automatic filling and finishing systems on the market to rival this technology. - Comprehensive intellectual property protection on a global scale, solely owned by this UK SME. - Supply chain established for bespoke filler compositions and filler cell packaging to assist with entry to market. - This solution will automate the process, reduce labour and as a result reduce the overall cost of the filling task. - Market research in the US with an Industrial user showed the true potential of this technology. The example below is based on real numbers gathered from a potential user. - Two 18 gauge finishing guns were being used, firing 250,000 nails per week, all of which required filling. These numbers refer to one factory location, however this Industrial user had a further 24 locations using similar numbers. - Nail sealing filler cell cost price $0.03 per fill. - Customer feedback suggested they are willing to pay up to $0.12 per fill. - Using this technology would result in a significant reduction in overall labour costs for the customer. - Revenue in excess of $1 million generated for the licensee based on one factory location.

Stage of development

Available for demonstration

Partner sought

The company is looking for a brand partner to offer the full license to in exchange for royalties so that they can take the product to market. Ideally the new partner will already have proven routes to market. The UK SME is also seeking manufacturers and/or distributors of automatic power tools and/or filler compounds and powders for nail and screw guns in the industrial sector worldwide.