FOCUS ON FASTENERS
A STRONG SEAL
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We outline types, trends, applications, insights and technology shifts in industrial fastener markets worldwide.
“ Metal fasteners can be used to produce permanent or non-permanent bonds. High-quality fasteners that are resistant to corrosion and other natural abrasions are a necessity in many industries.”
Industrial fasteners are components used to join two or more objects permanently or semi-permanently. They include nuts and bolts; threaded rods; structural bolts; machine screws; wedge anchors; washers; rivets and more in various types and sizes. The fasteners are available in various standard shapes, sizes and materials, and can also be produced customarily for specific needs. They are used to combine multiple components from sheetmetal, plastics or other materials.
“ Unlike fasteners designed for thick sections or massive materials, sheet metal fasteners must overcome the [ challenges that come with ] thin materials. These include material deformation under load, the restricted engagement of the thread in thin sections and pull through or stripping if excessive force is applied. Sheet metal fasteners therefore have certain design characteristics that allow for load distribution, provide anchoring points within the thin-gauge material or accommodate installation where access may be restricted to one side only. Their role is to provide a strong and permanent connection that will be able to withstand the loads that are expected to be applied and to be easily serviceable, if needed,” commented TZR Shengen Metal.
Metal fasteners can be used to produce permanent or non-permanent bonds. Examples of metal fasteners that create a permanent bond are screws, rivets, clamps, retaining rings or bolts. Non-permanent fasteners are items such as quick-release couplers and pins that allow the movement of fastened parts. Highquality fasteners that are resistant to corrosion and other natural abrasions are a necessity in many industries.
The type and thickness of the sheetmetal are the two most important factors that define the choice of the fastener. The industrial fasteners’ market is primarily driven by the automotive, aerospace, construction and machinery sectors. Other major sectors include electronics, renewable energy, furniture and plumbing with strong demand for durable, high-performance fastening solutions.
Fastener manufacturing
The manufacturing of fasteners primarily includes casting, forming, machining and thread production processes. The major fastener manufacturers offer specialty fasteners, which are custom-manufactured based on the specifications given by end users to cater to their specific requirements.
Metal fasteners are manufactured from various materials such as steel, stainless steel; brass; aluminium; bronze; nickel; copper; titanium and other non-ferrous metals. The selection of material by end users is primarily based on considerations such as strength required; presence of corrosive environment; stresses; weight; electrical and magnetic properties; electrical plating / coating required; expected life and reusability.
Special coatings or plating are also applied to metal fasteners to increase their performance characteristics. Zinc, chrome and hot-dip galvanizing are standard coating / plating techniques for fasteners. Galvanized
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