FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MTC Tool Controller Recognized as Top Innovation in Fastening Tool Division
Norwood, NJ (October 24, 2025) — Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co, home of the RivetKing® brand, is proud to announce that its MTC Tool Controller has been awarded “New Product of the Year” in the Fastening Tools Division at the 2025 ASSEMBLY Show. The honor was determined by attendee votes, with the MTC earning the top spot among four finalists in its category.
The award-winning MTC Tool Controller brings universal control, enhanced data protection, and process intelligence to the next generation of cordless assembly tools. Designed for use across RivetKing’s FreeSet® cordless tool line—including the RK-777C for blind rivets, RK-787C for rivet nuts, and RK-797C for pin and collar bolts—the MTC delivers seamless integration, real-time monitoring, and unmatched connectivity for modern manufacturing environments.
“The MTC Tool Controller brings a new level of simplicity and control to the fastening process,” said Jay Franetovich, Product Manager for Tools at Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co. “It unites precision with flexibility—enabling manufacturers to manage multiple tools, protect production data, and maintain full traceability, all within one intuitive system.”
Each tool in the FreeSet® cordless line can operate independently and be programmed directly through the FreeSet Manager software, allowing flexibility for standalone use. However, when connected through the MTC Tool Controller, manufacturers gain the ability to manage an entire fleet of FreeSet tools simultaneously—streamlining operations and enabling full integration into a connected, data-driven production environment.
At the core of the FreeSet system is advanced process monitoring. Each tool is capable of verifying that every rivet, rivet nut, or collar bolt is installed within the specific parameters defined for the application—ensuring consistent joint integrity and product quality. The system can also confirm that the correct number of fasteners are set, automatically flagging deviations or missed placements in real time. By combining this level of verification with full traceability, FreeSet gives manufacturers confidence that every fastening step meets engineering specifications before the product moves forward in production.
This combination of precision monitoring and data capture is further strengthened by the MTC’s robust connectivity and integration features. Supporting both WLAN and LAN, the controller fits effortlessly into existing IT infrastructures and securely stores up to 100,000 results locally for traceability and backup. Its intuitive web-based interface makes setup and visualization straightforward, while compatibility with multiple industrial communication protocols—Ethernet, Open Protocol, ProfiNet/ProfiBus, and Digital I/O—ensures smooth integration with existing PLC systems and production databases.
“Winning this award underscores the innovation behind the FreeSet system,” said Walter Corter, Tech Services Manager at Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co. “Together, the FreeSet cordless tools and MTC Controller deliver precision fastening with true process control—helping manufacturers build faster and smarter.”
The award, presented as part of ASSEMBLY Magazine’s 7th Annual “New Product of the Year” Awards, celebrates groundbreaking technologies shaping the future of manufacturing across five categories: Assembly Machines & Systems, Adhesives/Dispensing/Curing, Fastening Tools, Robotics, and Manufacturing Software. Winners were announced on October 23, 2025, during the final day of the show in Rosemont, Illinois.
About Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co.
Founded in 1912, Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co. is a global leader in permanent fastening technology. The company maintains one of the industry’s largest rivet inventories, complemented by custom manufacturing capabilities and advanced tool systems designed to meet the demands of high-tech production environments. From autofeeding and robotics integration to real-time process monitoring and data connectivity, Industrial Rivet delivers the products, tools, and expertise that keep modern manufacturing moving.
Learn more at www.rivet.com