Choosing fasteners is one of the most challenging tasks to do when there is a lot of risk that concerns safety and stability. In early fastening and connections, devices used for affixing materials together may have been short of certain characteristics which required more repairs and maintenance. Today, developments in engineering and manufacturing have brought abundant improvements in the features and quality of fasteners to provide the needed properties and secure structures more than ever.

With the latest innovations in the industry, many kinds of applications deal with the question of how to find the right fastener and what factors should be considered. Thus, we are here to delve into the most important considerations in selecting fasteners for industrial use and applications to help achieve more stable and reliable connections in the future.

How to Select Fasteners for Industrial Use?

Industrial fastening is a common process for most industries in making developments and operations function efficiently. The process can be a permanent and non-permanent assembly, joint, and connection that secures two or more objects together. These are all employed within the sectors of aerospace, automotive, construction, medical, marine, and manufacturing industries.

In selecting the right fastener for industrial projects, several considerations exist to allow a solid assembly and limit the risk of failure. Among the many factors that contribute to the success of fastening the most important are the materials of fastener and surface, size and shape, quantity, coating, costs of products, and a reliable supplier. These elements are the major influences in ensuring a good and durable fastening that lasts for a long period in applications. To understand more, here are the reasons why we should consider these factors:

Material

The material used in manufacturing fasteners is a critical selection that plays a role in its effectiveness during use. It is a primary step to identify before buying fasteners, as this will affect the performance of the materials in the environment they will be used. For example, saltwater or marine applications require metal fasteners that can withstand saltwater such as brass, bronze, 316 stainless steel, and titanium. Stainless steel fasteners are also ideal for outdoor applications because of their high resistance to corrosion in its various series. Titanium or aluminum fasteners are preferred in industries with high temperatures or pressures such as aerospace.

When needing to decide what material to look for in fasteners, you can start with the kind of environment and condition present in its employment. This will make it easier to find the suitable elements in your fastening project.

Size and Shape

Measurements are always a crucial part of any mechanical structure including fastener assemblies. Knowing the size of your fasteners is a key factor that determines how well they can hold the materials together. When you choose a small screw for thick materials it will likely fall short in strength and cause a loose connection and when you choose a longer screw than your material of application you can damage its surface and cause more problems such as the safety of workers. It is essential to recognize the right measurements of materials and fasteners to be connected and make sure to match the sizes and fit. This will limit further problems during installation and reduce the labor time.

The shape of fasteners refers to their physical or external properties that affect the suitability of components for their purpose. For instance, hex head bolts have a big hexagonal shape that allows better grip on the surface and a large distribution of load that is enough to withstand heavy-duty applications in construction, buildings, and infrastructures. While countersunk heads of screws are suitable for lighter and decorative use such as furniture making, decking, and more.

Quantity

The quantity of fasteners will depend on how big the project will be, this particular factor is considered for saving time and costs of the products. After knowing what kind of fasteners and sizes you need, it is best to make calculations of the number or quantity of fasteners you have to purchase. Having fewer fasteners in use will result in a more expensive ordering since you are required to pay another delivery fee and charges, whereas, buying in bulk will come with discounted prices and savings from a one-time delivery fee of the products.

Coating

Coatings or treatments in fasteners are added protection for its surface to increase corrosion resistance and durability. This factor is usually considered for sectors that require an additional layer of resistance to chemicals, temperature, friction, rusting, and more. Some examples of fastener coating include galvanizing, which is a process of coating the surface of a fastener with zinc to enable better corrosion resistance, another is chrome plating, which can improve corrosion resistance and add a visually pleasing look to fasteners for decorative use.

Read More: Fastener Platings, Finishes, & Coatings

Cost

Industrial fastening involves several factors of consideration when choosing the right devices, especially when it comes to the costs and prices of services and products. It is a crucial aspect to know the value of fasteners in their quality, buying cheap bolts or nuts can result in a compromise in the durability and longevity of materials in assembly. When these devices fail it can only cost more with frequent replacements and can be more costly in the long run. It is better to be sure of the best value for money by considering the strength and durability of fasteners and purchasing from reliable and proven suppliers with certifications from well-known organizations such as ISO, ASTM, ANSI, etc.

Supplier

In the complex world of the fastener industry, many manufacturers and suppliers have flooded the market with various channels to widen the distribution of the components. Choosing a supplier is a factor that is considered for a few reasons, it enables the benefits of quality assurance, discounted prices, timely delivery, better inventory of products, technical support, and after-sales services. While it is common for wholesale or bulk buying, suppliers and manufacturers also offer minimum quantity orders for some businesses. Here are some of the list of trusted fastener manufacturers and suppliers:

Read Here:

Top 10 fastener suppliers and manufacturers in China

Top 10 fastener suppliers and manufacturers in the USA

Industrial Fastener Supplier and Exporter

Prince Fastener Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has extensive experience in manufacturing industrial fasteners for general applications and specific projects for worldwide use. The company strongly values providing high-quality and reliable fastening devices with high standards, corrosion resistance, and durability. It is to ensure the stability and security of structures, machinery, and any mechanical fastening for the safety of human operations and use. Our team works closely with the customers from the beginning of transactions up to the final delivery and installation. We are committed to achieving successful connections and applications of fasteners by catering to the accurate needs and demands of many industries and businesses. Contact us now for your inquiries and get free quotations for our services and products.