China Fastener World Magazine issue No.67

Based on Small Packaging Service LINKFAST Expands DIY Fasteners Market in

Europe and America

結合小包裝服務 嘉興銘承拓展歐美DIY緊固件市場

In order to further strengthen the link with the demand of first-tier retailers and distributors in Europe and the U.S., LINKFAST, having deeply engaged in the industrial fastener production for nearly 20 years, has been actively expanding its business from the production of advanced multi-purpose screws, timber fixing screws and decking screws made of 10B21 and C1022 to the DIY fasteners packaging service over the past 5 years. In the ever-changing global market, it hopes to create a new milestone for sustainable business development.

Diverse DIY Fasteners Packaging Service Intelligent ERP Production Management

Unlike typical mass production lines, DIY fasteners packaging are characterized by small quantities and diverse categories, which are more time-consuming and labor-intensive, and therefore must be adjusted in a timely manner according to product attributes and quantities. In view of this, LINKFAST not only provides various tool boxes, plastic boxes/bins, blisters, blister boxes, cardboards, polybags and various color boxes for customers to choose, but also provides 100% customized service according to customers’ requirements.

“Backed by a strong professional team, we have introduced the ERP smart factory management system from production to packaging to ensure the flexibility and traceability. All products are controlled by the automated warehouse, and the automatic packaging line with more than 10 semi-automatic packaging machines is also directly connected to the stereoscopic warehouse, and the AGV automatic shuttle vehicles are applied to transport the goods directly to each packaging table, which effectively saves the goods delivery time and enhances the packaging efficiency and flexibility,” said LINKFAST.

Professional Packaging Team and Equipments

Creat a Smooth One-stop Service

LINKFAST has nearly 60 packaging staff with years of experience to assist customers in designing the best packaging methods to achieve twice the result with half the effort. At the same time, it has also worked with the automated packaging equipment factory to successfully develop 4 models (totally 12 sets) of packaging equipment which best fit the characteristics of their products, enabling them to significantly improve the packaging efficiency. From production to packaging, it completely follows the ISO 9001 specification. There are 6 QC employees to conduct strict quality inspection from raw materials to finished products, and all testing data are kept in record to ensure traceability.

“As an emerging DIY fastener factory, although DIY fastener packaging service currently only accounts for 6% of our annual export volume and in 2022 our total sales reached 7,500 containers, we are confident that we can perform better in the next few years,” said LINKFAST.

CE Certified ETA Certification Application in Progress

LINKFAST has been active in increasing its competitive edge in recent years. In addition to getting many screws CE certificates, its wholly-owned Haiyan Yousun Enterprise Co.,Ltd (Factory code:C788) has also successfully obtained the favorable 39.6% tax rate in Europe. In the future, if it successfully obtains the ETA certification, together with DIY fastener packaging service, it is expected to increase its proportion and competitiveness of screws exported to Europe.

“With the challenges of global economic contraction, customer demand weakening, unstable raw materials prices and exchange rates, we will continue to refine our capability, cherish every order, provide the best service, and be more dedicated to the DIY fastener’s field. We sincerely invite you to come to our stand at No. 3012 (Hall 5) at Fastener Fair Global 2023 in Stuttgart Germany for face-to-face negotiation.” said LINKFAST.

Contact: General Manager George Yu

Email: info@linkfast.cc

/// by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World ///

海迅新廠全新自動化升級

Scale ⬆ 300% & Automated! Hisener Industrial’s New Plant Upgrade

Hisener

Industrial is one of the largest fastener suppliers in the world. They have critically selected 150 partners worldwide to provide over 4,000 types of fasteners to customers in Europe, Russia, USA, and South America, and also provide stocking services to customers in China. Now we have good news from them who announced to the world that their new factory is running very smoothly, not just growing bigger but also offering products in new materials. Through this cover story, we interviewed general manager Simon Liang to give you a bird's eye view of his plan for the new factory and his future roadmap.

32,000 m2 & 1,500 Tons of Capacity

The new factory began production in August 2022. The 32,000 square meters floor space accommodates more than 270 machines, including 140 one-die-two-punch heading machines, 2 multistation machines, 120 thread rolling machines, and 8 self-drilling screw forming machines. The number of machines is considerable, and most of them are imported from Taiwan to ensure the product quality meets international standards.

With 150 employees, the factory can produce 1,500 tons of screws for customers every month, 3 times more than the past. Simon said the motive of establishing the new factory is to expand production capacity and improve the quality of products, and at the same time improve the efficiency of running the factory and reduce the cost through automated equipment, offering clients products with higher cost performance and higher value.

Automated Warehouse and Digitalization

Another key point of the new plant is completing the upgrade to an automated and intelligent plant. Hisener has introduced automated warehouses for wire, semi-finished and finished goods. Each warehouse is automatically connected with the production process. By integrating with ERP and WMS, they are able to achieve automatic feeding of materials in each process, which greatly reduces labor and transportation costs for the factory and greatly improves production efficiency. Simon believes that both domestic and overseas customers will be able to clearly see that Hisener has turned faster. In addition, the new plant has a larger laboratory that houses inspection equipment for dimension, composition, metallurgical, mechanical properties, and surface treatment analyses. Meanwhile, the lab is equipped with 10 staff members to ensure that all aspects of the products, from materials to production processes, are controlled by the staff members to ensure that each batch is strictly inspected and is traceable.

year, he will try his best to go out and communicate with customers face-to-face to better understand their pain points and difficulties, solve their problems in a forward-looking manner, and continuously strengthen the bond of trust with them. Simon concluded: "In the new year, we hope that all our customers will come to China to visit our new factory and expand collaboration with us!”

by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

Contact: Simon Liang, general manager Email: simon@hisener.com

Hangzhou Lizhan Hardware Jiaxing Power Fastener High Quality Upgrade & Application

for TS16949

杭州力展五金 高質量化升級 申請TS16949認證

High Quality Assurance Planning to Apply for Automotive Certification

Their products are becoming more high-end! In addition to the original ISO 9001:2015 certificate, they are in the process of applying for TS16949 automotive fastener certification and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) certification, which shows that their technological level is well established and they are striving to provide quality fastener products to automotive companies.

Lizhan Hardware & Power Fastener has been engaged in screw export since its establishment in 2007. To meet the needs of high-end customers, in 2009, they invested in their first production line in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, to mainly produce higher quality screws, including self-drilling screws, deck screws, and special purpose (electric tapping) machine screws used on composite panels, windows, concrete, furniture, steel pipes, roofing installations, and more. The products are exported to more than 40 countries all over the world, and the company has created brilliant achievements with its customers!

One-stop Manufacturing with Sufficient Annual Capacity

Hangzhou Lizhan Hardware occupies 30 acres (28,000 square meters) of land. Their factory has 130 sets of equipment, 2 heat treatment lines, 2 fully automatic packaging lines, and automatic bagging machines. With more than 60 employees, they have an annual capacity of over 8,000 tons and export over 1,000 containers to customers worldwide each year. In addition, their external collaborators provide a capacity of over 20,000 tons. The combination of a complete in-plant production line and an external collaborative supply chain gives Hangzhou Lizhan Hardware the inherent ability to provide sufficient capacity to customers worldwide, providing a strong backing at the most competitive prices in the international market at a time when the global supply chain is being challenged.

In order to comply with the requirements of overseas buyers from Europe and the U.S., they are equipped with their own inspection room, heat treatment and hardness machines, torque testers, mechanical performance inspection equipment, surface treatment salt spray testers and various dimensional measuring gages. The products are exported after going through three procedures, including initial inspection, sampling inspection and pre-shipping inspection, in order to provide global customers with satisfactory quality products!

High Product Cost Ratio Flexible Trading Terms

1. They offer great quality-ratio products. The have the best price for the same quality, and the best quality for the same price.

2. They also have professional service staff to solve problems for customers including small lot size, complicated product types and difficulty in procurement.

3. They also provide flexible payment terms , so that customers can use the same money to purchase more products to take market shares, and achieve a win-win!

2023 will be a critical year after the market is fully reopened. The company said, "We will focus on new products so our customers can develop more high quality markets. Given that Covid-19 has stalled development for three years, we will go to many countries one by one in 2023 to communicate with customers face-to-face and strive to create more value for them!

New Plant

“Three Seconds Fastener” Developer

Guangdong Yangjiang Honghui Metal Technology

Top Self-drilling Screw Company in Guangdong

With performance featuring the “Three Seconds” tagline. Honghui’s stainless steel and carbon steel screws are designed to resist corrosion and rust. As a result, Honghui enjoys a high reputation in the fastener industry, which is not only sold nationwide, but also exported to Asia, Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world.

For 25 years, this fastener company has been dedicated to developing and manufacturing self-drilling screws. It is one of the first expert manufacturers and developers of self-drilling screws in China. In addition, it manufactures and sells various types of fastener products, providing high-end clients with premium service. Now it is the top manufacturer of selfdrilling screws in Guangdong.

One-stop Fastener Service Tailored to Self-drilling Screws

In 2021, Honghui completed a new plant which marks a new milestone for its business. The new plant is located in Yinling Technology Industrial Park in Jiangcheng District of Yangjiang City in Guangdong, only a little more than 10 kilometers away from Yangjiang High-speed Railway Station, providing convenient access by traffic. The new plant spans 80,000 square meters and has over 200 pieces of elaborately designed production and inspection equipment. In the plant is a professional team of over 300 people who perform round checks and final product inspection in compliance to ISO 9001 quality system to manufacture GB, DIN, AS3566, ANSI, JIS and BS standard compliant products.

Through a manufacturing process including heading, wire drawing, annealing, threading, heat treatment, electroplating, washer assembling, packaging and shipping, Honghui provides clients with one-stop fastener service. It can also design and manufacture various self-drilling and selftapping screws per clients’ requests. Currently it can manufacture up to more than 20,000 tons of high quality carbon steel and stainless steel self-drilling screws annually.

Top-of-the-class Drive Speed & Sharpness

“On the path of development, we adhere to the guideline of ‘quality for survival and reputation for growth’. We continue to enhance our corporate structure and we have acquired CNAS, ISO9001 and IAF certificates. We continue to pursue technical advancement and devote ourselves in self-drilling screw development. We have successfully developed self-drilling screws with high drive speed and sharp blades. The drive speed and sharpness exceed those of ordinary self-drilling screws made by conventional die punching.”

With excellent design, production and a complete after-sale system, Honghui has built a huge client pool domestic and abroad since its inception in 1999. “We will continue to strive for mutual gains and client satisfaction. We hope to continuously grow while having the strong support of many clients, and we want to position ourselves as the top self-drilling screw manufacturing expert in China to contribute our forces to the prosperity of the global fastener industry!”

by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

2022緊固件大廠財報 Financial Reports of Fastener Companies

一流精密鉚接緊固件專業廠 東莞市昕藝精密五金有限公司

First-rate Clinching Fastener Manufacturer Dongguan Grand Metal Company Limited

From OEM to Independent R&D

Founded in September 2003, Dongguan Grand Metal offers various standard clinching fasteners including A286 SP clinch nuts, ISO13918-compliant welded standoffs and studs, panel screws, rivet nuts, cage nuts, brass inserts and CNC parts. The company was initially an OEM to domestic clients before it began independent research and development on clinching fasteners. It went beyond by recruiting German specialists to do welding tests and mounting to sheet to optimize design. It studies welded and clinching fasteners performance and provides clients with solutions to clinching.

High Quality Manufacturing Equipment for Automotive Grade Products

Grand Metal has a full set of clinching products from size M2 to M12, using good materials from qualified steel plants guaranteeing 50% higher quality and performance (torsion, thrust) than what the industry requires. The company is on par with automotive industry quality and is certified to IATF 16949. It offers Geomet, Dacromet, and Zinc-Nickel alloy surface treatment as well as eco-friendly electroplating and heat treatment.

Its equipment originates mainly from Taiwan and Germany known for high quality and therefore is stable and highly precise. It also has auto packaging machines, auto optical sorting machines and auto feeding machines that it developed with suppliers.

300% Capacity, 20% Revenue Growth, One-stop Supply

The company is backed by certificates and guarantees quality. It exports up to 1000 million fasteners a year which take up 60% of total sales and targets sales in Europe, Asia Pacific, the U.S., Singapore, India, New Zealand, Russia, Australia and South America.

Its new plant in Dongguan City of Guangdong Province was built to increase capacity by 300% and will commence operation in 2023. Overseas warehouses are planned to come up in the next two to three years to shorten lead time. Today, Dongguan Grand Metal has emerged as a first-rate clinching fastener manufacturer with more than 20% expected growth in future revenues.

Contact: General Manager Jason Zhu Email: jasonzhu@grandametal.com

by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

Tianjin Pingyuan Hardware

- ISO9001 Certified Fastener and Metal Fabricator

Established in 1992, Tianjin Pingyuan Hardware Co., Ltd. is located in the beautiful seaside city Tianjin, China. It's one of the key fastener and metal fabrication enterprises in Tianjin and northern China. Our factory mainly manufactures all kinds of washers and metal stamping parts. We fabricate special washers and structural components for industrial buildings, ship building, railway, agriculture, automobile and home gardening.

They have the ability to manufacture 10 thousand tons of products annually. The high tensile strength washers with "PY" marking have obtained the consistent high praise from customers both at home and abroad. Cast-inplates, cast-in-stumps, cleats and other metal parts made by welding, lathing, stamping, bending deep drawing are also provided as per engineering. The factory is equipped with Multi-station Cold Headers and all kinds of stamping machines. It has strong technological force and complete quality inspection machines. The products can meet all requirements from standards and customers.

They have been in taking the spirit of servicing customers with sound quality, competitive price and excellent service since the establishment of the factory. The company has been awarded ISO9001 certificate since 2000. Products are mainly exported to U.S.A, Australia, Europe, Asia and other countries. They are longing for the opportunity to cooperate with more customers and create more fruitful business relationship.

Plastic Fastener Market and Outlook by 2030

Introduction

The global industrial fasteners market size was valued at USD 88.43 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow to USD 123.18 billion in 2030. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.23% during the next 8 years. The Asia-Pacific region has the major share of the market as stated above and it’s estimated to register a revenue of USD 57.9 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.4%. North America has major players in the industry operating in the region and plays an important role in driving the industrial fasteners market forward. It is the second dominant region after Asia-Pacific with an impressive revenue generation of about USD 21.54 billion in 2021 and may grow rapidly to USD 29.4 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 4%.

Plastic Fasteners Market Overview

Increasing substitution of metal fasteners in automotive interiors due to improved aesthetics & lightweight characteristics and large-scale popularity of these products in automotive, space, oil & gas, and marine sectors is expected to drive the plastic fasteners market over the predicted years. The plastic fasteners industry is expected to witness a healthy growth in the next five years, thanks to the upsurge in residential and non-residential construction sectors, expansion in electronic industries, and expansion in the automotive industry. A good example is about the present needs to produce more electric and lightweight vehicles. Currently, the automotive and aerospace sectors are putting extra effort into keeping the weight of the final product low. The plastic fasteners' features of light weight, low cost, and great performance make them valuable in automotive and aerospace and many other industries.

The growth is more projected to be supported by the increasing funds and investments by the governments in infrastructure development activities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, due to rising population. Additionally, the intensified research and development activities are expected to bring more opportunities to the plastic fasteners market.

Market Segmentation

Plastic fasteners are flexible and strong screws tools which are used to maintain stiffness, temperature, and strength, and made from nylon, PVC, and polypropylene. In terms of the product type they are mainly segmented into Rivets & Push-In Clips, Cable Clips & Ties, Threaded Fasteners, Washers and Spacers.

The rivets & push-in clips segment is expected to hold the largest market share. Rivets and push-in clips are progressively used in vehicles, electrical and electronics. Push-in clips are used to connect plastic parts, light sheet metals, and insulating materials. They are also used as bumpers and hole plugs. Push-in clips are used with nylon washers to attach fragile materials.

The major target markets and end users of plastic fasteners, as mentioned, are Automotive, Electrical & Electronics and Building & Construction. The automotive segment as explained earlier, is predicted to grasp the most significant CAGR in the next five years as a result of the increasing demand for electric vehicles globally.

Geographically, the top three regions for plastic fasteners market’s production and consumptions are Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. The largest share in the market will be controlled by the Asia Pacific due to the rising construction expenditure and large scale production of passenger cars & commercial vehicles in countries like India, Japan, China, and South Korea.

Market Drivers and Trends

The global plastic fasteners market was valued at about USD 5.33 billion in 2021. The market is further projected to grow to reach more than USD 7.65 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 6.12% within the next five years.

The major drivers of the expected growth include but are not limited to the growing industrialisation and urbanisation, growing automotive sector, increasing demand for plastic fasteners in various applications, growing investments by key players. Successively, the key market trends guiding the growth of the industry include the sharp demand in the construction sector.

The modern age of technology is driving the global industry to new levels that mandate higher efficiency at minimal resources, which has been a major factor in the evolution of lightweight automotive products. The trends will be moving towards the substitution of metal fasteners in some of the segments with plastic fasteners as the cost of manufacturing metal fasteners are higher, and on the other hand, the demand for lightweight components keep growing. Plastics are low-cost substitutes for metals, and they can be moulded into any kind of shape with the injection moulding and extrusion technique.

The fasteners required in the automotive industry vary in size, design, and measurements based on their applications. This is why plastic fasteners are in demand and are available in various sizes in quick time, unlike metal fasteners. And the said substitution of metal fasteners with plastic fasteners is creating a huge window of opportunities that will lead the industrial fastener industry to new heights.

All in all, the growing popularity of lightweight fastener solutions has been identified in several reports as one of the prime reasons driving the plastic fasteners market growth during the next few years. More importantly, the manufacturing of plastic fasteners using 100% recyclable plastics and advances in plastic fastener design to support industrial automation will lead to sizable demand in the market.

Although the plastic fasteners market still accounts for a very small share in the overall industrial fasteners market, it is projected to gain increasing importance, especially by growing use of plastic fasteners in the automotive industry for interior, exterior, wire harnessing snapping, and electronics applications. Increasing focus of automobile manufacturers on developing lightweight vehicles for fuel efficiency is creating high demand for plastic fasteners due to its improved mechanical properties, lightweight, and low prices as compared to metal fasteners. That is, in the near future, plastic fastener manufacturers will be new threats to existing metal fastener players in the market.

Article by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani

Copyright owned by Fastener World

Industrial Fastener Challenges and Opportunities in the Post-Pandemic World

Introduction

The global industrial fasteners market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.1% to reach US$ 168.7 billion by the end of 2032. In 2021, the market size was valued at USD 92.16 billion and it was expected to grow further to reach USD 102.8 billion by the end of 2022. North America holds about 20.5% (USD 21 billion), Europe holds about 27% (USD 27.6 billion) and China holds about 15% (USD 15.4 billion) of the global fastener market.

The market is mainly driven by the growing demand from diverse industries such as construction, automotive, marine and aerospace. The growing production of machinery and components, motor vehicles, and other durable goods due to the economic expansion of different countries is expected to further support market growth and increase the penetration of industrial fasteners in the coming years.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been extraordinary and shocking, with products suffering lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The global market demand showed a drop of more than 6.7% in 2020 as compared to 2019. The interruption and closure of industrial operations, to control the impact of pandemic across the globe, severely affected product demand in 2020.

The pandemic has significantly hindered the growth of the automotive industry across the world, with disruptions in supply chain activities, interruptions in large-scale manufacturing, and restrictions on travel. The pandemic also significantly impacted the construction sector, which is sensitive to economic cycles. However, both automotive and construction sectors, as major contributors to the growth of the industrial fasteners market, have shown steady and strong restoration since early 2022. However, an increase in the substitution of metal fasteners for adhesives and tapes in bonding and Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH) applications, mainly in the automotive industry, is expected to hamper the market growth.

疫後工業扣件的挑戰與商機

Post-Pandemic Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges for everyone and with no doubt it has had a substantial impact on fastener manufacturers and production downtime. It’s also apparent that there has been an amplified pressure to improve overall efficiency as a natural response to the global pandemic. In terms of manufacturing, there have been key efficiency challenges during the pandemic that constantly stood out amongst the rest and those challenges still exist in the post-pandemic era.

The first and most important challenge is in the supply chain. It was a nightmare for manufacturers more specifically during the first year of the pandemic to deal with this problem. Challenges are mostly about delayed deliveries which have disrupted production plans and limited availability of resources which required manufacturers to even swing production lines. This challenge could still last in the post-pandemic era, if manufacturers do not seek supplier diversification. This is an obligation for fastener manufacturers in the post pandemic era to avoid order fulfilment issues.

It was never easy to find employees with the right skills and credentials for a manufacturing environment, and the pandemic made things worse than ever. Many businesses had to let their employees go during the pandemic. Now, in the post pandemic era, manufacturers have to find labours and skilled talents as their operations are getting back to normal. This is a very challenging task for fastener manufacturers as many job seekers especially specialists and technical experts are now looking more for work-from-home positions. They do not want to worry about their health and safety working in large manufacturing plants.

In summary, sourcing and procurement, operational changes and recruitment are the main challenges that fastener manufacturers are faced with in the post-pandemic era. Apparently, there is no single solution to address all those challenges, but Go Digital (i.e. Digital Transformation) would be one of the best solutions for fastener manufacturers, traders and players in the market to be more agile in order to repurpose and/or reinvent their operations based on immediate and actual needs.

Adapting to the Post-Pandemic Era and New Opportunities

As stated above, to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic, fastener manufacturers and traders around the world had to respond in agile and decisive ways. Moving into the next phase, now it is the time for businesses to look for and grab the opportunities emerging in the post-pandemic era.

The use of online technology, especially for fastener retailers, has taken a leap forward. Using disruptive technologies in operation, production and logistics brings more business opportunities for manufacturers. The rapid advancement in technology leads to the production of newer and more durable fasteners. Additionally, the pandemic has prompted a search for new markets more than ever. This has stimulated competition and the motivation to adopt cost-effective technologies.

In the post-pandemic era, fastener manufacturers should pay closer attention to these trends and align their business and technology strategies accordingly to maximize their operational execution and resiliency.

Last but not least, the lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the global focus on sustainability more than before. Growing recognition of the environment and the need for conservation of natural resources have made sustainability practices mainstream for both consumers and organizations in the fastener market. Customers and prospective employees alike want insight into what sustainable practices companies are pursuing. These practices also help reduce packaging and energy costs and can improve profits. Based on analyses, sustainability approaches can increase customer loyalty and bring more revenue gains in the post-pandemic era.

Sources:

• Industrial Fasteners Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, by Fortune Business Insights

• Top 10 Manufacturing Trends in the Post-Pandemic Era, by Market Scale

Article by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani

Copyright owned by Fastener World

2019 ~ 2022中國緊固件進出口統計

China Fastener Trade Statistics (2019-2022)

Values of China's Fastener Imports From the World (in USD, descending order)

Values of China's Fastener Exports to the World (in USD, descending order)

Fastener Trade Statistics and Analysis of Southern Europe

Overlook of Southern European Countries

Southern Europe consists of 11 countries, which include the following countries with the characteristics as below:

Top Countries in the Fastener Field

In terms of fastener trade, Italy was the biggest country in this region with a total trade value of USD 3,486,286,000 (62.6% export Vs. 37.8% import) in 2021. It has also the biggest economy in this region and its GDP in 2021 was USD 2,058.3 billion.

In terms of fastener trade, Spain was the second biggest country in this region with a total trade value of USD 1,436,664,000 (43.1% export Vs. 56.9% import) in 2021. It has also the second biggest economy in this region and its GDP was USD 1,435.6 billion.

The third biggest country in the fastener sector was Türkiye. Its trade value was USD 1,185,119,000 (54.5% export Vs. 45.5% import) in 2021. On the other hand, its GDP was USD 692.4 billion, making Türkiye the third biggest economy in southern Europe.

Middle Level Countries in the Fastener Field

The fourth biggest fastener trader in the South of Europe was Portugal. Its fastener trade value was USD 298,824,000 (23.6% export Vs. 76.4% import) in 2021. The GDP of Portugal was USD 251.9 billion, making it the fourth biggest economy in this region.

Slovenia was the fifth biggest fastener trader in the Southern Europe region. Its trade vale was USD 237,761,000 (46.7% export Vs. 53.3% import) in 2021. Its GDP was USD 63.6 billion in 2021, making it the seventh biggest economy in this region.

Croatia was the 6th biggest fastener trader in the region with the total trade value of USD 102,168,000 (47.1% export Vs. 52.9% import) in 2021. Its GDP was USD 69.5 billion, which made it the sixth biggest economy in this region.

Bosnia and Herzegovina was the seventh biggest fastener trader and the eighth biggest economy in this region in 2021. Its fastener trade value was USD 95,322,000 (67.6% export Vs. 32.4% import) in 2021 and its GDP value was USD 23.4 billion.

Low Level Countries in the Fastener Field

In terms of fastener trade, Greece was the eighth biggest country in this region with a total trade value of USD 64,455,000 (7.9% export Vs. 92.1% import) in 2021. It had also the fifth biggest economy in this region and its GDP in 2021 was 222.8 billion.

In terms of fastener trade, North Macedonia was the nineth biggest country in this region with a total trade of USD 13,446,000 (10.6% export Vs. 89.4% import) in 2021. It had also the tenth biggest economy in this region and its GDP in 2021 was USD 14.2 billion.

Albania was the tenth biggest fastener trader in 2020 (there is no new statistics for Albania in this sector) and the nineth biggest economy in this region in 2021. Its fastener trade value was USD 6,287,000 (0.3% export Vs. 99.7% import) and its GDP value was USD 17.9 billion.

Montenegro was the eleventh biggest fastener trader and the eleventh biggest economy in this region in 2021. Its fastener trade value was USD 3,686,000 (0.6% export Vs. 99.4% import) and its GDP value was USD 6.0 billion.

南歐扣件貿易統計與分析

Trend of the Fastener Industry in Southern Europe

(Notes: Numbers in tables are in thousand USD) Table

Italy

Table 1 shows Italian fastener export to the world from July 2021 to June 2022. Italy exported on average more than USD 185 million fasteners per month, which means that the yearly fastener export may be increased from USD 2,168 million in 2021 to around USD 2,220 million in 2022.

Table 2 shows Italian fastener import from the world from July 2021 to June 2022. Italy imported on average more than USD 117.8 million fasteners per month, which means that the yearly fastener import may be increased from USD 1,319 million in 2021 to around USD 1,415 million in 2022.

Spain

Table 3 shows Spanish fastener export to the world from August 2021 to July 2022. Spain exported on average more than USD 51.5 million fasteners per month, which means that its exported fasteners in 2022 may not change a lot from USD 619 million recorded in 2021.

Table 4 shows Spanish fastener import from the world. Spain imported on average more than USD 77.2 million fasteners per month, which means that its fastener import may increase from USD 817.2 million in 2021 to around USD 926 million in 2022.

Türkiye

Table 5 shows Turkish fastener export to the world from August 2021 to July 2022. Türkiye exported on average more than USD 62.7 million fasteners per month, which means that its fastener export may increase from USD 645.8 million in 2021 to USD 753 million in 2022.

Table 6 shows Turkish fastener import from the world from August 2021 to July 2022. Türkiye imported on average more than USD 48.7 million fasteners per month, which means that its fastener import may increase from USD 539.3 million in 2021 to around USD 585 million in 2022.

Last Word

The war in Ukraine risks upending southern Europe’s economic recovery. Higher energy prices and trade disruptions could destabilise Southern EU firms already weakened by the pandemic. Real economic growth in the Southern European Union is now expected to fall below 3% in 2022, down from the 4% estimated by the European Commission before the war. A recession could happen, and further trade disruptions or increased economic sanctions would increase the risk for the Southern European economy. But as the statistics show, countries with better conditions in their fasteners industry have better economic conditions.

and the share of other countries was 65%.

Table 4. Spanish Fastener Import from the world

Table 5. Turkish Fastener Export to the World

Table 6. Turkish Fastener Import from the world

imported 19% of its fasteners from Germany, 17% from China, 11% from USA, 12% from Italy and the share of other countries was 41%.

Article by Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani Copyright owned by Fastener World

3050

Hall 5

Only Taiwanese exhibitors exhibiting through Taiwan’s exclusive agent Fastener World are listed.

5 HALL 9

HALL

Join the fastener and fixing industry's international gathering, as Fastener Fair Global is back for 2023 in Stuttgart

Fastener Fair Global 2023, the 9th International Exhibition for the Fastener and Fixing Industry, takes place from 21 – 23 March 2023 in halls 1, 3, 5 and 7 at Messe Stuttgart Exhibition Centre in Germany. The event is a meeting place for leading international organisations in the fastener and fixing sector and an opportunity for exchanging competencies and views on current technological developments.

Exhibitors at Fastener Fair Global present products and services from the following sectors:

• Fastener manufacturing technology

• Industrial fasteners and fixings

• Construction fixings

• Assembly and installation systems

• Storage, distribution, factory equipment

• Information, communication and services

Fastener Fair Global provides an excellent platform to establish new contacts and build successful business relationships between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, engineers and other industry professionals from various production and manufacturing sectors looking for fastening technologies.

International firms representing the market

Some 835 companies have confirmed their participation at Fastener Fair Global 2023, covering 22,000 sqm of the exhibition ground. International firms from 42 countries are participating in the show, representing SMEs and large multinational enterprises mainly from Germany, Italy, China, Taiwan, India, Turkey, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain and France.

Ahead of the event, Liljana Goszdziewski, Portfolio Director for the European Fastener Fairs, comments: "After four years since the last edition, it is rewarding and exciting to be able to welcome the international fastener and fixing industry at Fastener Fair Global 2023. The high turnout of exhibiting companies confirmed at the event reflects how keen the sector is to get together face-to-face and participate in the show to allow plenty of business networking activities and enable new sales and learning opportunities in a fast-growing market."

A positive outlook of a growing sector

Fastener Fair Global provides a marketplace with a unique showcase and networking platform in one of the world's leading industrial economies. The global industrial fasteners market size was valued at USD 88.43 billion in 2021 and is predicted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2022 to 2030. The market is expected to be driven by population growth, high investment in the construction sector, and rising demand for industrial fasteners in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Moreover, the industrial machinery segment is set to expand at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2022 to 2030. The rapid growth of heavy machine-driven industries, including textiles, food and beverage, and chemicals, is expected to propel the demand for industrial machinery, thus driving the need for industrial fasteners over the forecast period.

Serving a wide variety of industries

Exhibitors will be aiming their products and services at many industries, including:

• Construction

• Automotive

• Aerospace

• Marine

• Electronic and Electrical Goods

• General Engineering - Light/Heavy

• HVAC / Air Conditioning / Services

• Energy and Power Generation

• Communication Technology

• Metal Products

• Furniture Manufacturing

• Sanitary Ware and Plumbing

• Installation

A high satisfaction level recorded by attendees

Over 12,000 senior managers, engineers and buyers visited the last edition of Fastener Fair Global. The mix of visitors to the show represented the diversity of markets served by the fastener and fixing industry. Most visitors were producers, wholesalers or distributors, playing a vital role in the supply chain to resellers and the manufacturing sector.

The vast majority of visitors at Fastener Fair Global achieved their business goals by attending the event, with 91% of visitors claiming to be highly satisfied with the show. As a result, 3 in 5 visitors would recommend Fastener Fair Global to their colleagues and business partners.

Fastener Fairs – connecting fastener professionals worldwide

Fastener Fair Global belongs to the highly successful worldwide series of Fastener Fair exhibitions for the fastener and fixings industry. These include the portfolio flagship event, Fastener Fair Global, as well as Fastener Fair Italy, Fastener Fair India, Fastener Fair Mexico and Fastener Fair USA.

For more information on Fastener Fair Global 2023, visit https://www.fastenerfairglobal.com/

FASTENER FAIR GLOBAL 2023

Pre-show Orientation for Taiwan Exhibitors Ends with Satisfying Feedback

After four years of postponement, Fastener Fair Global will finally be held on March 21-23, 2023. The organizer’s exclusive agent in Taiwan, Fastener World Inc., is expected to form a large exhibiting group of more than 130 Taiwanese companies to participate in the Fair, which will further deepen the cooperation between Taiwanese fastener supply chains and the greater European market full of business opportunities.

In order to provide Taiwanese exhibitors with a more comprehensive understanding of the details that should be paid attention to before and during the Fair as well as the current situation of the European market before setting out to participate, the organizer’s exclusive agent in Taiwan, Fastener World, held a pre-show orientation on January 11 (Wed.) at Evergreen Plaza Hotel (Tainan) and invited more than 100 exhibitor representatives to attend. TFTA Chairman Josh Chen and TIFI Executive Secretary Shih-Tsung Huang on behalf of TIFI Chairman Tu-Ching Tsai were also present to deliver their speeches.

Fastener World Magazine President William Liao ▼

Chairman Josh Chen ▼

TIFI Executive Secretary Shih-Tsung Huang ▼

TFTA

Fastener World Magazine President William Liao said in his opening speech, "I'd like to thank everyone for exhibiting at FF Global through Fastener World. Since the first edition of the Fair, its popularity and importance in the global fastener industry has been increasing year after year, and it is now the largest and most leading dedicated fastener fair in the world. Every past year, more than 100 Taiwanese exhibitors chose to exhibit through Fastener World. This show is also an important platform for Taiwanese exhibitors to develop the European market and strengthen their business deployment in Europe. We hope that through this pre-show orientation, our professional team can help exhibitors make adequate preshow preparations and seize the European fastener market, which is gradually recovering after the epidemic.

During the conference, the editors of Fastener World also briefed about the overall development trend of Taiwanese fasteners exported to the world over the past 20 years, important data and events of exporting to Europe and the United States, the dynamics of European target manufacturers and the recent concerns of European buyers, etc., which were presented in tables and charts. Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World Magazine, Gang Hao Chang said, “In 2022, Taiwan's fastener exports reached 1,607,000 tons, almost the same as in 2021, and the export value reached US$6.142 billion, a 15.47% increase compared to 2021. The competitiveness and performance of Taiwan is more impressive than that of other countries. These slides will not only let exhibitors understand the importance of Taiwan's fastener supply chain in the global industry and the expectation of its future development, but also will let them know the fact that the current overseas exhibitions have gradually returned to normal and that overseas buyers are looking forward to contacting Taiwanese suppliers at the Fair face to face and to discussing purchasing and further cooperation.

Many exhibitors also made their inquiries about the floorplan, exhibition permits and documents applications, stand furniture and extra rentals, product delivery, exhibition planning and itinerary...etc. Fastener World’s staff were also present to provide detailed onsite explanations, which did help them a lot.

For more information about FF Global, please contact our foreign department (Email: foreign@fastener-world.com.tw)

by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World

Fasteners World Middle East 2023 Capturing US$1 Trillion Construction Market Opportunities

The 7th edition of Fasteners World Middle East which was held during January 9 to 12 at Expo Centre Sharjah is the only specialized fastener exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa region. This year the organizer arranged national pavilions for China, India, Turkey and Europe in the exhibition hall.

This year's edition coincided with the rising oil prices in the Middle East, which has created a boom in the local manufacturing and construction industries and promoted the rapid growth of the fastener industry. Intelligence reveals that the total construction market in the Middle East Gulf countries is valued at US$1 trillion, with as many as 5,000 construction projects in the UAE region. The size of the fastener economy that derives from it is not to be underestimated.

During the show period, we met traders and metalworkers from Dubai who were looking for companies interested in setting up manufacturing plants in Dubai. They indicated that the UAE government is interested in providing subsidies in the future to reduce the cost of transporting industrial goods for these companies.

A visitor mentioned the fact that Chinese manufacturing industry is affected by the Chinese government's policy has driven the Middle East buyers to prefer collaborating with other Asian manufacturers to ensure a stable supply. In addition, a visitor from India was looking for machines that can manufacture large sized screws. There was also a visitor from Sharjah who was looking for screws to fasten ship pipelines. We also heard from Taiwanese exhibitors that the anticipation for this show was high and that the number of exhibitors and visitors exceeded the last show!

by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

2023中東沙迦國際扣件展 搶進1兆美元建築市場商機

Fastener World News

惠達特搜全球新聞

Industry Development

EU to Extend Carbon Tax to Fasteners in October 2023

After overnight negotiations, EU countries and European Parliament representatives reached an agreement on December 13, 2022, to impose a tax on CO2 emissions from imported steel and cement and other polluting goods, extending the scope of application from upstream products such as steel, aluminum and cement to downstream products such as screws and bolts. The new mechanism is scheduled to be implemented on a trial basis from October 1, 2023.

The agreement, called the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), is a new creation of the European Union in light of the global trend of carbon reduction, and was proposed by the Executive Committee in July 2021. Since EU has set strict carbon reduction requirements for local industries with high carbon dioxide emissions, in order to prevent enterprises from increasing costs from carbon reduction and end up with uncompetitive prices against imported products, CBAM was created, requiring purchase of carbon reduction certificates for foreign high carbon emission products entering the EU market.

Mexico Issues First Final Ruling on Sunset Review of Anti-dumping of China's Wire Rods

On 19 January 2023, Secretariat of Economy (Mexico) published in a public release the first final ruling on sunset review of anti-dumping of wire rods originating in or imported from China, deciding to maintain the anti-dumping duty of US$0.49/kg established in the final ruling of the initial review on 28 July 2016. The TIGIE tariff codes of the associated products are 7213.10.01, 7213.20.91, 7213.91.03, 7213.99.99, 7227.10.01, 7227.20.01, 7227.90.99, 9802.00.01, 9802.00.07, 9802.00.13, 9802.00.19 and 9802.00.23. The measure took effect from 29 July 2021 for a period of five years.

On 2 September 2015, Mexico initiated an anti-dumping investigation into wire rods originating from or imported from China. On 28 July 2016, Mexico issued a positive final determination to the case, imposing an anti-dumping duty of USD 0.49/kg on the products involved. On 22 July 2021, Secretariat of Economy published an announcement in a public release, saying to initiate the first sunset review investigation into the case upon the application by Mexican companies including Ternium México, S.A. de C.V., Arcelor Mittal México, S.A. de C.V. and Deacero, S.A.P.I. de C.V.

compiled by Fastener World

JETRO Releases Result of Survey on Overseas Japanese Companies; Auto Parts Industry Tumbles

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) surveyed 7,173 Japanese companies around the world and published "Worldwide Overseas Japanese Companies Survey for 2022" report. The report is a barometer hinting at the future of Japanese companies in overseas markets and it draws three conclusions.

First, 65% of the 7,000 plus Japanese companies operating overseas expected to gain profit for 2022, but the losses in sectors such as auto parts were increasing. As a result of China's Zero COVID policy, more than 40% of Japanese companies in China were facing deteriorating sales, exceeding the proportion of companies having improved results.

Globally, 45.4% of Japanese companies would expand their business in overseas countries. Among them, 70% of the Japanese companies would expand in India and 60% in Vietnam, showing that Japan was continuing to tap into the Southeast Asian market. On the contrary, the percentage of Japanese companies intending to expand in China dropped from 40.9% to 33.4%.

Second, 60% of Japanese manufacturers would re-examine the supply chain. As raw material and transportation costs rise and the risk of supply disruptions became more apparent, Japan would accelerate its localization (self-production) strategy for sourcing, production and sales. In the next one to two years, the number of Japanese personnel dispatched to overseas countries will be reduced by half compared to the pre-epidemic period, while the number of Japanese domestic employees will be increased.

Third, Japan is accelerating carbon reduction. More than 40% of the surveyed companies are already taking action to achieve decarbonization, an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year. Compared with the previous year, this figure increased by nearly 10%. The number of companies making green purchases (requiring suppliers to reduce carbon) has more than doubled. With awareness of carbon reduction spreading rapidly throughout the supply chain, non-compliant companies may face the risk of limited trading opportunities.

China Tops the World in New Energy Vehicle Production & Sales for the 8th Consecutive Year

According to the latest statistics from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's new energy vehicle production and sales continued to grow exponentially in 2022, with 7.058 million and 6.887 million units produced and sold respectively, up 96.9% and 93.4% year-on-year, topping the world for eight consecutive years. Its market share rose to 25.6%, 12.1 percentage points higher than the previous year, with global sales accounting for over 60% of the total. Of all new energy vehicles, 5.365 million pure electric vehicles were sold, an increase of 81.6% year-on-year, while 1.518 million plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold, an increase of 1.5 times year-on-year.

In 2022, the share of domestic sales of new energy passenger cars made by independent brands reached 79.9%, an increase of 5.4 percentage points year-on-year; 679 thousand new energy vehicles were exported, an increase of 1.2 times year-on-year. China accounted for three of the world's top ten companies in terms of sales volume of new energy vehicles. China's new energy vehicles have entered a period of full market expansion and are expected to continue to grow at a faster pace this year.

Thailand Becomes the Latest EV Competing Ground

As the South Korean Hyundai Motor is enhancing deployment in Southeast Asia, its opponent BYD from China is making its way into Thailand to build a new factory, making Thailand a new ground for the face-off between South Korean and Chinese EV makers. BYD, the second largest EV maker in the world, is locked on the rapid growth of EV market in Southeast Asia and has decided to invest USD 491 million in its first overseas plant in Thailand. The plant is expected to launch in 2024 and manufacture 150 thousand units per year. Thailand has set the target to raise the proportion of new EV car sales to 30% by 2030. Last March, Hyundai launched a plant in Deltamas Industrial park in Bekasi. It is Hyundai's first manufacturing plant in ASEAN and manufactures the new BEV called IONIQ 5.

New EV Competitor, World's First Solar Energy Car from the Netherlands

The speed of EV revolution could go beyond our expectation. A starup EV brand from the Netherlands rolled out the first solar energy car Lightyear 0. Production began from November 30, 2022. Unlike general EV cars that have to be pulled over for recharging, Lightyear 0 can recharge on the go under the sun. Even if the battery runs out, it can go ahead running on solar energy. With solar power, it can go 11,000 kilometers on flat grounds each year. Lightyear 0 is manufactured at Valmet Automotive Group's plant in Finland. The current estimated capacity is 946 units. It uses 60 kWh batteries and runs 625 kilometers after a full recharge.

(China) Hebei Yongnian Fasteners Industrial Zone Reports Increased Export by 70% in 2022

The Chinese fastener enterprises in Yongnian are deeply engaged in overseas markets, and their products are exported to more than 110 countries and regions, such as the United States, Japan, Egypt and Dubai (UAE). At present, the Yongnian district encompasses 476 fastener enterprises with independent export license. There are more than 50 large factories specifically dedicated to export sales and 5 industry-leading fastener enterprises which have established their overseas warehouses. In 2022, Yongnian district generated about 158.6 million U.S. dollars worth of fastener export, a year-on-year increase of 70.8%, up against the nation-wide downtrend. In 2022, the annual output of fasteners in the region reached 5.6 million tons, with an output value of RMB 38.5 billion. By participating in exhibitions, Chinese fastener enterprises have received a large number of overseas orders at major international exhibitions.

High Strength Fastener Industrial Park Phase III Project in Gangyu District (China)

Located in Gangyu District, the construction of the Phase III high-strength fastener industrial park was put into production starting February 2023. This industrial park costs a total investment of RMB 4 billion, covering an area of 410 acres. The third phase of the project is invested and constructed by Jiangsu Hengyue Hardware Technology Co ltd and two other companies. The total area of the park is 170 acres. The total area of structures is about 90,000 square meters and the total investment is RMB 1.02. The industrial park can produce 200 thousand tons of high-strength fasteners annually with an annual output value of RMB 1.6 billion as well as a tax revenue of about RMB 20 million.

So far, the main structure and auxiliary construction of Jiangsu Hengyue Hardware Technology whose annual output capacity is 60,000 tons of high-strength fasteners have been completed and put into use since February 2023.

China's Automotive Production and Sales Top the World in 2022 for 14 Consecutive Years

China's total automotive production and sales achieved 27.021 million units and 26.864 million units respectively, an increase of 3.4% and 2.1% year-on-year, achieving a modest annual growth ranking first in the world for 14 consecutive years.

China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said, "In 2022, the automotive industry was impacted by a number of factors, but under the effective momentum from a series of policies to stabilize growth and promote consumption, and with the joint efforts of enterprises across the industry, the overall recovery of the automotive market is improving. Passenger cars achieved faster growth, contributing an important force for the steady development of the industry." In 2022, China's passenger car production and sales achieved 23.836 million units and 23.563 million units, a respective increase of 11.2% and 9.5% year-on-year, a higher growth rate than the industry as a whole.

Companies Development

Changhua Holding Group's 1st Phase High Strength Automotive Fastener Production Line

Changhua Holding Group (formerly Zhejiang Changhua Auto Parts) intends to invest a raised capital of RMB351 million in building a production line with an annual capacity of 2 billion pieces of high-strength automotive fasteners. Upon completion of Phase I, the production line will be able to produce 925 million pieces of highstrength fasteners per year, which will provide important support for the Company's strategic development goal towards high-end and automated fastening products.

The main plant has been completed and two fully automatic electroplating production lines have been installed. The installation of a wastewater treatment system together with the electroplating line has been completed. Also completed is the installation of a spheroidized annealing furnace with protective atmosphere imported from Japan, with a production capacity of 1,900 tons per month.

Zhejiang Huayuan (China) Intends to Raise RMB 300 Million to Expand Capacity

Zhejiang Huayuan Auto Parts intends to be listed on the Growth Enterprise Market of Shenzhen Stock Exchange, raising RMB 300 million for the production of automotive fasteners, mainly to increase production capacity, expand market share and enhance competitiveness. The company's main products are special fasteners and locks for automobiles, and is one of the few companies in China that specializes in the research and development of automotive seat locks. Its products are widely used in car chassis and power systems, security systems, intelligent electronic systems and others. At present, the company has a customer base including Guangzhou Auto Honda, Changan Mazda, Great Wall Motor and well-known first-tier suppliers such as Lear, Adient, Faurecia, Magna. In the future, they will increase the development of new customers such as new energy customers and intelligent electronics customers to lay a good foundation for the new production capacity.

Non-Contact Gauging System Measures High/Low Threads

General Inspection, LLC recently added a new high/low thread measuring algorithm to its VisionLab. The 3D fastener gauging system, has the most comprehensive thread measurement capabilities, including all pertinent system-22 requirements, lobular shaped threads and now a specific algorithm for high/low threads.

Greg Nygaard said, “by popular demand, we’ve added a tool to our VisionLab system to make measuring high/low threads as simple as a press of a button”. The VisionLab allows manufacturers and distributors to measure all critical part features including high/low threads in less than 5 seconds.

In addition to threads, the VisionLab measures all profile features, including GD&T characteristics. An optional “end view” inspection measures and detects defects on both ends of parts including features such as recesses, inner/outer diameters, through holes and counterbores. Optional surface control is used to detect visual detects, such as bad plating, thread patch presence/quality as well as measuring knurl width, gap and height. Optional upper tooling and bit kit are available for uneven parts or parts with a recess drive.

For time savings, traceability and removing error, the VisionLab creates customized, thorough reports with graphs and data charts which can also be uploaded to 3rd party SPC packages.

Goldwind Cooperates with Local Government in Yunnan on Wind Power Projects

Tianrun, a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldwind, signed a cooperation framework agreement with Fengqing County Government in Yunnan. The two parties will make full use of Fengqing's wind energy resources to establish a longterm strategic partnership in decentralized wind power development, in order to achieve resource sharing and mutual benefits.

It is worth noting that on September 5, 2022, Goldwind also officially signed an Investment Cooperation Agreement with Yunnan Yunxian Government for the Yunxian Flange Fastener Plant Project. Fengqing has location advantages, huge market potential and a favorable business environment, and the development prospect of decentralized wind power projects is promising. Both sides hope to continuously broaden the collaboration and enrich the results.

Zhejiang Ronnie Precision Machinery Establishes a Wholly-owned Subsidiary

According to the company's strategic development plan, Ronnie Precision Machinery announced to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary. The company's main business is R&S, manufacturing and sales of precision metal parts such as precision fasteners, connectors and structural parts, mainly providing precision metal parts to customers in downstream applications such as 3C, automotive, communications and power equipment.

In recent years, China's major projects such as West-to-East Gas Transmission, Southto-North Water Transfer, High Speed Railway and West-to-East Electricity Transmission have been fully rolled out, and the local automobile, machinery, home appliance, shipbuilding and transportation industries have continued to grow. The strong demand for production and construction will drive significant growth in the fastening industry.

Finework (Hunan, China) New Energy Technology to Set Operations in Hong Kong and Vietnam

Finework New Energy Technology is a company specializing in the development and manufacture of high strength fasteners and provides total fastening solutions to customers. The company intends to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary, Finework International, in Hong Kong with a capital of HK$20 million. After the establishment of Finework International, the company intends to use Finework International to co-found Finework (Vietnam) Fastener Manufacturing (capital: US$2 million) in Vietnam with another company, where Finework International accounts for 95% of the capital and the other company accounts for 5%.

TR Fastenings Opens New Facility in Hungary

TR Fastenings Hungary Kft, part of the Trifast plc Group, is celebrating the opening of its new purpose-built facility in Budapest, building on years of rising demand in the region.

Located in the southern suburb of Szigetszentmiklós, Budapest, TR Fastenings

Hungary Kft is a fastener and Cat. C supplier to international OEM’s and their subcontractors not just in Hungary but in the seven countries that border them. The new 3,500 sq. metre modern facility has 9.5 metre eaves in the warehouse and is a high-capacity distribution facility that is ready to support TR’s future European growth strategy.

TR Hungary was first established in 2000 and has grown considerably in that time, quickly outgrowing two previous locations. Its rapid growth has been a real success story for TR and the region alike. It has come about through rising demand from large multinational household brands, many of which TR supplies to elsewhere in the world. Hungary has historically been a lower cost production region but with a highly skilled available workforce making it ideal for this kind of strategic investment. Hungary has a central location in Europe with seven countries on its border, which is perfect for distribution hubs.

The TR Hungary team is fully supported by the Group encompassing Sourcing, Technical and Design, Commercial, Financial, HR and Marketing support.

NORMA Group Receives Major Order for Joining Solutions in Electric Cars

NORMA Group has won a new major order for joining solutions in electric vehicles. From July 2023 until 2030, NORMA Group will equip several of the customer’s batteryelectric premium models with hose connectors, hose adapters and quick connectors. The order has a total volume of around EUR 34.6 million.

CEO Dr. Michael Schneider: “In our strategic business unit ‘Mobility and New Energy’, we consistently focus on the requirements of our customers. With our experience as a development partner and our certified production standards, we are very well positioned to support our customers in their technological transition towards emission-free mobility.”

NORMA Group’s connection products are installed in cooling water lines and are used to cool various units in the vehicle, including the battery. The hose connectors and quick connectors have been part of NORMA Group’s portfolio for many years. Development engineers at NORMA Group specially adapted them for this order in cooperation with the customer. The joining products are manufactured at NORMA Group’s plants in Maintal, Germany, and in Pilica, Poland. Some of the parts include a temperature sensor in order to ensure optimal operating temperature. In order to meet the increased demand, NORMA Group is investing in injection molding production at the Maintal site, in new assembly machines for quick connectors and in training employees.

Howmet Aerospace Board Approves Preferred Stock Dividend

The Board of Directors of Howmet Aerospace declared a dividend of 93.75 cents per share on the outstanding US$3.75 Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Class A Stock”) of the Company, paid on January 1, 2023. to the holders of record of the Class A Stock at the close of business on December 9, 2022.

Howmet Aerospace Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and airframe structural components necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged aluminum wheels for commercial transportation. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company’s differentiated technologies enable lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft and commercial trucks to operate with a lower carbon footprint.

Fastener Tool & Supply, Inc. Launches Its New Website

Fastener Tool & Supply, Inc. — a nationwide leader in fastener distribution – is proud to announce the launch of their brand-new website. The foundation of Fastener Tool & Supply’s business has been rooted in their commitment to operational excellence and customer service since 1977. Additionally, their focus on innovation, quality, and continuous improvement has helped grow their reach across North America. Now, their website is also centered around these fundamental principles.

The focus of the redesigned website is to put the user in control, adding useful elements and features that improve functionality, accessibility, and user experience. This investment reinforces Fastener Tool & Supply’s promise to deliver high-tech, user-friendly solutions to help streamline processes and boost efficiency. Fastener Tool & Supply, Inc. is a trusted distributor of fasteners and related products and services. Headquartered in greater Cleveland, Ohio, they offer over 150,000 fasteners and supply chain solutions that help improve quality and boost productivity. These advanced technologies have propelled them into many cutting-edge industries, such as aerospace, alternative energy, automotive, industrial commercial, construction, high performance, military, and power generation.

BBI Relocates Its Montreal Facility and Doubles Its Toronto Warehouse

BBI-Montreal has moved from a 90,000 sq ft facility into a 154,000 sqft building and BBI-Toronto has doubled its warehouse space to 164,000 sq ft facility enhancing just-in-time deliveries into Canada.

Brighton-Best is currently located in 31 locations in 6 countries and supplies over 7,000 distributors throughout the world.

Optimas Solutions Elevates Mike Tuffy and Daniel Harms to Dual-CEOs

Optimas Solutions, a global industrial manufacturer/distributor and service provider, announced the elevation of Mike Tuffy to CEO, International, and Daniel Harms to CEO, Americas. The decision to implement a dual-CEO structure evolves the organizational model established in 2020 with autonomous, yet connected, business units.

By design, this structure has brought Optimas closer to customers and suppliers and created greater community within the organization. It also better reflects the scope of Harms and Tuffy’s roles and the contributions they’ve been making to Optimas for over a year.

Japanese Fukui Byora Invests JPY 7.5 Billion in EV-related Field

SYNEGIC (Japan) Launches TriLead Crack-free Woodworking Screw

The patent-pending TriLead screw, with a special bit shape newly developed by SYNEGIC, can cut wood and discharge wood chips to perfectly drill into MDF or particle boards without cracking the wood or creating burrs during the drilling process. There is no need to drill holes in the wood before use.

TriLead screw adopts chromate surface treatment, and can be used with hexagonal bits, suitable for wood with the thickness of 10-20mm, including shelves and other household furniture.

Acquisitions

In August 2022, Fukui Byora established a logistics center in Shiga Prefecture to provide just-in-time delivery to the Tokai and Kansai regions. The company will capture the demand for EV parts, which is expected to expand significantly. The company will build a new plant located in Katayamazu in summer 2023 as a production base for EVs and high voltage battery parts. They will respond to new demand in the automotive field by utilizing its specialty in cold forging technology.

German MMG's Shares to be 100% Acquired by Taiwanese SUMEEKO by July 2023

SUMEEKO announced on November/16/2022 that it is to acquire the other 49% shares of Max Mothes GmbH (MMG), a subsidiary of CS Beteiligungs GmbH, for 6.24 million euros in cash. The process is expected to be completed in July 2023 and after that MMG will be fully owned by SUMEEKO.

Through an adjustment period of 2.5 years, MMG is back on track with profits gained in 2021 thanks to orders from European carmakers. Previously, SUMEEKO acquired 51% shares of MMG (a Tier 1 supplier for German automakers) for 6.5 million euros, which was completed in July 2018. By fully acquiring MMG shares, SUMEEKO can tap into the supply chains of Ford, Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Bosch and Siemens.

3 Min. to Understand EU's CBAM

3分鐘了解歐盟碳稅重點

by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World

What is the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

As the world's second largest commodity market, the EU has announced that it will implement the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on a trial basis from October 1, 2023, whereby companies importing related products into the EU will be required to declare their carbon emissions. On the other hand, they will also be required to purchase the so-called CBAM certificates from the EU to pay for the carbon emissions of imported products, which will be formally implemented in 2027.

The Latest Revision of the EU's Carbon Tax Policy

Initially, the CBAM covered only iron & steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizer, electricity, and hydrogen, but after a meeting of EU parliamentary members at the end of 2022, the scope was extended to include steel-related downstream products (i.e., steel screws and bolts will also be covered), with the goal of reducing EU carbon emissions by 55% before 2030 compared to the 1990 level. This will have a major impact on many countries around the world that export a lot of products to the EU and do not yet have a well-developed domestic carbon emissions mechanism or regulation.

Why is There a Carbon Tax?

The concept of carbon rights can be traced back to 2005, when the EU started to impose a carbon fee on carbon emitting companies within the EU, but the same measure was not applied to those outside the EU who imported goods and services into the EU. This is why the CBAM, the world's first carbon border adjustment mechanism, was created, with the goal of discouraging the export of cheaper and more

competitive products to Europe from countries that do not yet have complete environmental control policies. The objective of CBAM is to discourage the export of cheaper and more competitive products from countries that do not have complete environmental control policies to Europe to cause damages to the local industry. Although the EU has issued free carbon permits to domestic companies at this stage, the program will be gradually phased out after the implementation of the carbon tariff to meet WTO requirements.

The U.S. will Also Impose a Carbon Tax

Not to be outdone by the EU, the U.S. has also announced plans to impose a carbon tax by 2024, much earlier than the EU's 2027. By then, no matter whether the products are made in the U.S. or imported from abroad, as long as their carbon content is below the required baseline, they will not be subject to the tax; conversely, if they exceed the baseline, a carbon tax of US$55 per ton will be levied. And, the plan extends to downstream products after 2026, as long as they reach a certain carbon content, they will also be subject to the carbon tax.

Many analysts also believe that in order to obtain a level playing field, China, Japan, South Korea and other countries may also implement their own carbon tax measures in the future.

What are the Standards for Companies to Conduct Carbon Inventory and Carbon Footprint?

The ISO 14064 standard was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as the basis for internal carbon inventory and verification methods. The other ISO 14067 is mainly used to measure the carbon footprint of a company, focusing on the total direct and indirect carbon emissions throughout the "life cycle" of the goods and services produced by the company. ISO 14064 focuses on the "carbon inventory" within a company, while ISO 14067 focuses on the "carbon footprint" tracking outside the company.

Possible Impacts on Businesses

China, for example, is one of the world's largest carbon emitters, with a total export value of over 380 billion Euros to the EU in 2020. Some experts believe that once the EU carbon tax is implemented, it will increase the cost of carbon tax for China's steel, aluminum, fertilizer, cement and other industries, and the cost of carbon tax will reach 17%, 20%, 17% and 31% of the export value respectively. According to Goldman Sachs Group's calculations, after the carbon tax is formally implemented, China's exports to the EU are estimated to be subject to an annual carbon border adjustment tax of up to US$35 billion (roughly

7.7% of China's total exports to the EU), which will be a considerable cost burden for many Chinese companies that are mainly focused on export.

Moreover, since many enterprises in Europe and the United States started earlier in carbon emission control, if the carbon tax measures in Europe and the United States are formally in place, other enterprises with particularly high carbon emissions will obviously lose their competitiveness.

What Can Companies Do to Respond to This Trend?

The carbon tax is a current trend in the global industry to pursue a win-win situation for both the environment and corporate sustainable development. Companies that focus on exporting to Europe and the U.S. will be the first to be affected. In view of this, enterprises should not only passively review whether they have the ability to monitor carbon efficiency and implement corresponding calculations and reports. They should also take the initiative to strengthen their manufacturing technology transformation (e.g., the introduction of more energy-efficient equipment and device) and invest more in R&D transformation that emphasizes low carbon emissions (e.g., use of green energy or adoption of low carbon emission materials) in order to gain the most advantageous competitive edge in the upcoming carbon tax challenge.

Alternation of Generation 反思扣件技術的承襲

Alternation of generations can be defined as the reproductive cycle of living nature. Of course, this topic belongs more to the field of philosophy than to the pages of a technical engineering magazine, but this also applies in general to the carriers of progress in the field of mechanical joining of parts, even much more significantly than in other areas. And why?

Because Thread = The Bread for Technical Progress!

At first glance, the meaning of the words in the title seems exaggerated. In the eyes of not only the lay public, screws are perceived as a less important structural element. What is the truth now? Few people realize what an important role the pioneers of the technical revolution and their vanguard - promoters of the mechanical joining of parts using threaded joints - played in life. It should be added here that screws would not be screws if there was no natural property of matter - friction. All of this had to be understood first by “reason, the most beautiful ray of heavenly light”, as a Nobel Prize laureate Romain Rolland says. Thank God, that this ray radiates knowledge one generation after another. This is

also confirmed by a famous physicist Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. So the alternation of generations, which mutually exchange experiences, is the basis of social progress. Let's look at Fig. 1. Perhaps the greatest genius in the realms of mankind, Leonardo da Vinci left an admirable message from which future generations benefited. Basically, it enabled the birth of technical revolution. Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press ( Fig. 2), should be mentioned in particular. His discovery turned out to be very important, because it started the mass production of books and, in connection with that, the information and scientific revolution and the spread of education among wider classes. Similarly, the steam engine designer James Watt ( Fig. 3). Or, although it is not known who was the first to construct a roller ( Fig. 4), in any case it would not have been possible without a strong generation of thread (Fig. 5) connection pioneers such as Joseph Whitworth or William Sellers (in Fig. 1). Of course they weren't alone, and the development continued.

The most difficult work of designer doesn’t end here, but just begins!

Continuation of Development

With the onset of IT revolution, it became possible to study the behavior of screw joints during assembly and in operating conditions. The use of the Finite Element Method (FEM), which replaced the complicated and impractical photoelastometric observation, meant visible progress in the field of studying stress distribution during stressing of structural elements ( Fig. 6 ). Based on FEM analysis, it is possible to take effective measures against the collapse of bolted joints during operation. The current generation of engineers can do what their predecessors could not even dream of - comfortably with the help of a computer to see inside a screw connection. Unfortunately, another thing is that not everyone can

Fig. 1. Generations

Fig. 2. Printing press

Fig. 3. Steam engine

Fig. 4. Roller

(by the middle of 18th century)

correctly interpret the knowledge gained. And here we are at the basic problem of the current technocratic generation. Yes, we have excellent computer programs at our disposal and most students are proficient in them, but there are great reserves in interpretation skills. Today, it is no longer enough to just choose the right software, enter the input parameters and wait for the result.

Conclusion

As we have seen, each change of generations means a qualitative shift in scientific and technical knowledge to a higher level. Anyone who thinks that screw joints play only a minor role in this social cycle is very much mistaken. Almost all conquests of the technical revolution were, are and will be in future dependent on screw connections. Today, when we are in the field of IT revolution (Fig. 1), it is very important that the young generation, above all, realizes this. From this point of view, the question arises as to whether the curricula at vocational schools and technical universities are correct and whether they respond to current social needs. Because I am in close contact with important technical universities not only in SK and CZ, but e.g. even in Germany, such as TU Darmstadt and TU Zwickau, where I occasionally lecture, I can confirm the declining interest of students in this topic. Why this is so and how to stop this unfavorable development is a longer discussion. Perhaps it would help if some agency found the courage to create a platform for publishing a purely scientifically oriented magazine on this topic. I am ready to help. I’ve also thought of a suitable name - Science Friction.

Article by Jozef Dominik and Dominik Makuka

Copyright owned by Fastener World

Fig. 6. FEM Method (FM = Montage power)

Fig. 5. Thread connection

Fastener Trade Statistics and Analysis in Scandinavia Region

斯堪地那維亞扣件貿易統計與分析

Scandinavia Economic Situation1

Scandinavia is a subregion in Northern Europe, with strong historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between its constituent peoples. In English usage, Scandinavia most commonly refers to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It can sometimes also refer more narrowly to the Scandinavian Peninsula (which excludes Denmark but includes part of Finland), or more broadly include Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.

In this article I will study the 4 biggest countries in this region, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Swedish population is 10.42 million and its GDP was USD 627.4 billion in 2021. Its growth was set to slow to 2.2% in 2022 and 1% in 2023. Heightened global uncertainty will weigh on business investment and exports. Household consumption is backed by a strong labour market, high savings and fiscal support, but will slow as higher inflation and interest rates start to bite. The unemployment rate continued to fall in 2022 but will level off in 2023, as skills in high demand become increasingly scarce.

Norwegian population is 5.408 million and its GDP was USD 483.4 billion in 2021. Mainland GDP growth of 3.5% was projected for 2022, reflecting the final phase of recovery in the wake of the pandemic. In 2023, its economic growth will decline towards its long-term potential rate, at 1.7%. Risks to inflation are pronounced, given the broadening of large price increases and elevated uncertainties around commodity prices. The labour market, already tight, will add to pressures on wage inflation. House prices and household indebtedness remain high.

Danish population is 2.857 million and its GDP was USD 397.1 billion in 2021. Its growth slowed due to the Russia-Ukraine war, with its GDP forecast to expand by 3% in 2022 and 1.4% in 2023. The resilience of the Danish economy is underpinned by its low reliance on fossil fuel imports and strong household, corporate and government balance sheets. However, consumer and business confidence have fallen considerably and inflation has increased to over 6%. Further energy market disruption could reduce growth and push prices higher again, while the tight labour market could trigger more sustained inflation if it leads to rapid wage growth.

Finnish population is 5.542 million and its GDP was USD 299.2 billion in 2021. Its economic growth slowed sharply to 1.1% in 2022 and will be 0.6% in 2023 owing to the waning of the COVID 19 rebound and to the war in Ukraine. Private consumption will be depressed by falling real household incomes but should slowly recover from late 2023 as they begin to rise again. Headline inflation fell slowly from a peak of 7% in late 2022. After dropping sharply in 2022, exports should accelerate in 2023 as exporters find new markets and world trade picks up. The main downside risk is that a wage-price spiral develops, increasing inflation and reducing competitiveness and growth.

1. https://www.oecd.org/economy/

Scandinavia Fasteners Situation

Sweden ’ s fastener trade was USD 1016.197 million in 2021 (the share of imported fasteners was 58% and the share of exported fasteners was 42%).

The main partners of Sweden in 2021 in the export sector were:

• The fastener value Norway imported from Sweden was USD 46.892 million (representing 11% of the whole fastener export of Sweden).

• The fastener value Germany imported from Sweden was USD 34.248 million (representing 8% of the whole fastener export of Sweden).

• The fastener value Poland imported from Sweden was USD 33.686 million (representing 7.9% of the whole fastener export of Sweden).

• The fastener value Denmark imported from Sweden was USD 33.574 million (representing 7.9% of the whole fastener export of Sweden).

• The fastener value USA imported from Sweden was USD 33.421 million

(representing 7.8% of the whole fastener export of Sweden).

• The fastener value Netherlands imported from Sweden was USD 28.600 million (representing 6.7% of the whole fastener export of Sweden). The main partners of Sweden in 2021 in the import sector were:

• The fastener value Germany exported to Sweden was USD 143.479 million (representing 24.3% of the whole fastener import of Sweden).

• The fastener value Taiwan exported to Sweden was USD 121.74 million (representing 19.9% of the whole fastener import of Sweden).

• The fastener value China exported to Sweden was USD 65.051 million (representing 11.0% of the whole fastener import of Sweden). Norway’ s fastener trade was USD 323.382 million in 2021 (the share of imported fasteners was 80.2% and the share of exported fasteners was 19.8%).

The main partners of Norway in 2021 in the export sector were:

• The fastener value Denmark imported from Norway was USD 22.904 million (representing 35.8% of the whole fastener export of Norway).

• The fastener value Sweden imported from Norway was USD 6.128 million (representing 9.6% of the whole export of Norway).

The main partners of Norway in 2021 in the import sector were:

• The fastener value Taiwan exported to Norway was USD 50.757 million (representing 19.6% of the whole fastener import of Norway).

• The fastener value China exported to Norway was USD 42.580 million (representing 16.4% of the whole fastener import of Norway).

• The fastener value Germany exported to Norway was USD 34.243 million (representing 13.2% of the whole fastener import of Norway).

• The fastener value UK exported to Norway was USD 21.423 million (representing 8.2% of the whole fastener import of Norway).

Denmark’s fastener trade was USD 598.346 million in 2021 (the share of imported fasteners was 56.4% and the share of exported fasteners was 43.6%).

The main partners of Denmark in 2021 in the export sector were:

• The fastener value Germany imported from Denmark was USD 64.417 million (representing 24.7% of the whole fastener export of Denmark).

• The fastener value Norway imported from Denmark was USD 19.377 million (representing 7.4% of the whole fastener export of Denmark).

The main partners of Denmark in 2021 in the import sector were:

• The fastener value Germany exported to Denmark was USD 101.609 million (representing 30.1% of the whole fastener import of Denmark).

• The fastener value Taiwan exported to Denmark was USD 34.333 million (representing 10.2% of the whole fastener import of Denmark).

Finland ’ s fastener trade was USD 279.196 million in 2021 (the share of imported fasteners was 72.9% and the share of exported fasteners was 27.1%).

The main partners of Finland in 2021 in the export sector were:

• The fastener value Sweden imported from Finland was USD 13.842 million (representing 18.3% of the whole fastener export of Finland).

• The fastener value the Netherlands imported from Finland was USD 11.304 million (representing 15.0% of the whole fastener export of Finland).

The main partners of Finland in 2021 in the import sector were:

• The fastener value Germany exported to Finland was USD 57.784 million (representing 28.4% of the whole fastener import of Finland).

• The fastener value Taiwan exported to Finland was USD 30.777 million (representing 15.1% of the whole fastener import of Finland).

• The fastener value China exported to Finland was USD 24.730 million (representing 12.1% of the whole fastener import of Finland).

Article by Behrooz Lotfian Copyright owned by Fastener World

Last Word

The future of fasteners in Scandinavia region is forecast by statistics as below:

The fastener value Sweden imported increased 4% monthly in the last 12 months and the last record was USD 59.489 million in June 2022, which means this number was estimated to be around USD 74 million in December 2022.

The fastener value Sweden exported increased 2% monthly in the last 12 months and the last record was USD 34.499 million in June 2022, which means this number was estimated to be around USD 39 million in December 2022.

The fastener value Norway imported increased 3% monthly in the last 12 months and the last record was USD 20.922 million in July 2022, which means this number was estimated to be around USD 24.1 million in December 2022.

The fastener value Norway exported increased 2% monthly in the last 12 months and the last record was USD 5.185 million in July 2022, which means this number was estimated to be around USD 5.7 million in December 2022.

The fastener value Denmark imported increased 4% monthly in the last 12 months and the last record was USD 35.102 million in June 2022, which means this number was estimated to be around USD 43.5 million in December 2022.

The fastener value Denmark exported increased 2% monthly in the last 12 months and the last record was USD 20.944 million in June 2022, which means this number was estimated to be around USD 23.5 million in December 2022.

The fastener value Finland imported increased 3% monthly in the last 12 months and the last record was USD 21.208 million in June 2022, which means this number was estimated to be around USD 25 million in December 2022.

The fastener value Finland exported decreased 1% monthly in the last 12 months and the last record was USD5.890 million in June 2022, which means this number was estimated to be around USD 5.50 million in December 2022.

Questions about Fastener Standards Dr.

扣件博士：扣件標準問與答

Q:What is a fastener standard?

Dr. Fastener:

In 1841, Sir Joseph Whitworth presented his paper, “A Uniform System of Screw Threads” to Great Britain’s Institution of Civil Engineers, launching the first ever industrial standard. Since then, fastener standards have often led the way and are integral parts of many national and international standards organizations’ resources. In fact, today, there are thousands of different fastener standards. Keeping track of and understanding them can often be an overwhelming task. In this segment, Dr. Fastener will answer some frequently asked questions about fastener standards.

Q:Can you explain what a Consensus Standard is?

A:

A fastener standard is a document either generated by an organization that composes and maintains industrial standards or an organization that uses fasteners, with the purpose of creating a uniform framework from which to assess product, performance, or process against. Fastener standards give us information like what material we should use, what dimensions to make the parts to, how parts should perform, what tests to use, and other information like that.

A:

Q:What are the different types of standards?

A:

There are thousands of fastener standards out there, but they generally can be categorized into one of several types; Product/Dimensional Standards, Material Standards, Test Standards, Process/Method Standards, Quality Standards, and Procurement Standards. For fasteners, the most common of these are Product/Dimensional Standards and Material Standards. Just about any part that is considered a standard will have an associated Product/Dimensional Standard. This document will either provide or reference all the necessary information to actually produce the part. Not only will it provide dimensions and important manufacturing information but, also, either specify or refer the user to additional standards or sources of information for the required raw materials, tests, quality practices, and other related information necessary to adequately define the part. Material standards may provide information about the raw material, processing information such as heat treating and plating, mechanical properties and performance, or testing. There are some standards written exclusively for the purpose of defining testing for fasteners, a special process or method, the quality system or practices to employ, or the purchasing requirements.

A Consensus Standard is one that was developed and maintained by a Consensus Standards Organization. A Consensus Standards Organization is one that has processes in-place to assure that the standard is developed by a diverse group of subject matter experts under strict structural protocols that guaranty agreement of these experts in the final output. Examples of Consensus Standards Organizations are the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC), and the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), to name a few. Although each Standards Organization has their own rules and methods of ensuring the quality and integrity of their standards, they all work in a similar fashion. Essentially each organization creates a technical committee for fasteners and recruits a group of fastener subject matter experts. They often take special care to make sure that the make-up of these committees is balanced, so that no particular interest (such as manufacturers, distributors, or end users) has a dominating influence on the outcome of the standard. The process then requires back and forth dialog between the experts and a layered approval process that has checks and balances along the way to make sure that dissenting views must be heard and resolved before a standard can be released. Thus, they are called “Consensus Standards” as the process is designed to get the experts to hash out and resolve any differences they may have.

Q:What are the primary Consensus Standards Organizations for fasteners?

A:Many countries have their own national standards organizations. There are also many smaller, more specialized organizations that, in addition to standards centered on their primary focus, may maintain several fastener standards. Therefore, the list would be quite long. Internationally, however, the organizations that are very well known for their fastener standards are:

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO Standards)

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME Standards)

• American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM Standards)

• Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JIS Standards)

• Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN Standards – Note: Many of the DIN fastener standards have been withdrawn and replaced with ISO standards, but DIN is still very much recognized for fastener and raw material standards.)

• SAE International (SAE and AMS Standards)

• National Aerospace Standards Committee (NAS, NASM, NA, and NAM Standards)

Q:What is a Non-Consensus Standard?

A:A Non-Consensus Standard is one that is not developed with a process that requires consensus. Generally any standard created by a user or an organization that is developing the standard for their exclusive benefit would be considered a Non-Consensus Standards. A couple of notable examples include Boeing fastener standards, Automotive OEM standards such as GM, Ford, and Toyota, and US military standards (MS Standards).

Q:Which is better, a Consensus or NonConsensus Standard?

Q:Does this process of updating create any problems?

A:Let’s not call it a problem, but it does create challenges. The primary challenge is for user organizations to have a process that assures they are using the right revision level. To complicate matters, although most of the time an organization wants to be using the latest revision, there are cases where providing a part to an old revision is necessary. In this case, the supplying organization must make sure they are using the right revision. A second challenge that updating can create is with slow moving inventory. What does an organization do when it has a large amount of inventory of parts made to older revisions? This depends on each individual situation, although many updated standards have provisions for either selling or using up old stock first.

Q:What does it mean that Consensus Standards “lead the way”?

A:Since Consensus Standards are developed by a broad group of industry experts and they get routinely updated, they usually reflect the “state-of-the-art” understanding in the industry. As such, when a new practice or idea is introduced to the industry, it gets traction first in Consensus Standards. As it is accepted in the industry through Consensus Standards, Non-Consensus Standards usually follow.

Q:Have there been any significant problems in recent years with standards?

A:

It all depends. One could make an excellent argument that Consensus Standards are better because they were developed by a broad group of experts that have come to agreement. As such, Consensus Standards usually represent a broader, industry-wide understanding of the topic. On the other hand, if you are a user and have unique requirements, a Non-Consensus Standard customized to your needs is better. Sometimes, however, because they may not reflect limitations or specific knowledge of the industry, they are much more difficult to meet.

Q:How often do Standards get updated?

A:Again, it depends. Some Non-Consensus Standards rarely get reviewed or revised. Consensus Standards Organizations, however, have rules in-place to make sure that their standards are regularly reviewed and updated as needed. Although ISO is somewhat of an exception because of the longer time frame needed to get international agreement, most organizations have rules to review and update their standards at least every five years. Often a standard needs no updating, in which case it receives a review and is “Re-Issued” or “Re-Affirmed”.

A:Yes. Two notable examples come to mind. The Consensus Standards Organizations often have many different technical committees. Sometimes these committees overlap interest. One such example occurred recently within ASTM and another within ISO. Essentially the problem was identical. Within ASTM there is a technical committee for fasteners and one for plating and coating. The Plating and Coating Committee has a general purpose standard, meaning it is meant to apply to many different industries and products, for zinc electroplating. This standard is ASTM B633. This standard was meant for general purpose usage so that it does not have any special provisions for threaded fasteners, such as the unique requirements for thread gauging. This committee was in existence for many years before the fastener committee was formed. Therefore, if a user needed to reference an ASTM zinc plating standard for a threaded fastener, this was their only option. Unfortunately, because it was not written for fasteners, it often created problems. To address these issues the ASTM Fastener Committee created their own zinc electroplating document, ASTM F1941/F1941M. The two standards do not agree on all points, most notably the conditions that trigger a hydrogen embrittlement relief bake. Although this might seem like a trivial difference, in fact, it created a great deal of confusion and lead to a couple of very high profile bolt recalls and legal actions. It became imperative to get this fixed. After several grueling years, the discrepancy in the standards was resolved and a revised B633 released in 2019. However, there is still confusion over which standard to use, and the fastener industry needs to continue to educate its customers that they should always use a fastener standard for fasteners when one exists. At ISO there was an identical issue with potential confusion between the fastener specific electroplating standard, ISO 4042, and its general purpose counterpart.

Q:Have there been any notable revisions in the last few years or any coming up?

A:To reiterate, Consensus Standards are always being updated and revised, so an answer to this question could be a long list. However, a couple of the most notable examples in the last few years include:

• ISO 4042 - This fastener electroplating standard has received several updates that included the addition of a comprehensive Appendix providing guidance on a number of thorny issues related to electroplating fasteners and updating the hydrogen embrittlement relief requirements and actions.

• ASTM F3125/F3125M - This is a new standard that combined six different structural bolt types into a single standard. What were formerly six different standards, A325, A325M, A490, A490M, F1852, and F2280, is now one.

• ISO 898- 2 - This metric strength standard for nuts was revised in 2022.

• ISO898-12 - This primary metric strength standard for bolts and screws is currently being revised.

• SAE J12372 - This metric tapping screw standard was revised in 2021.

• SAE J4292 - This primary inch strength standard for bolts and screws is currently under revision and will probably be released with some significant revisions within the next year or so.

you

SAE standard?

A:In general, no. Although things may appear “equal”, standards between organizations are not the same. Even if some of the information overlaps, it may not all overlap. If there is even a slight difference between standards, it is not appropriate to replace the existing standard with the other one. Therefore, although there may be instances where this is possible, in general, it is not good practice.

Q:How do I keep my standards library up-to-date?

A:This is an important question and one all suppliers must wrestle with. Any organization that is registered with a modern Quality Management System, like ISO9001, must address this question head-on. The challenge for many organizations is the sheer number of standards they must have access to and the high cost associated with purchasing new versions every time they are revised. Although every organization must assess this subject and decide what is best for them, here are a couple of tips:

• If you supply inch fasteners- purchase a yearly subscription to the online IFI Book of Standards (www.indfast.org). This is a collection offered by the Industrial Fasteners Institute of most of the ASME, ASTM, SAE, and IFI standards related, primarily, to inch standards. Alternately, this collection is available in a printed book, but the advantage of the on-line version is that the accompanying standards will always be up-to-date.

• If you supply metric fasteners- check with your national standards body to see if they offer an on-line compilation of ISO fastener standards. If not, the Standards Council of Canada (www. scc.isolutions.iso.org) offers a compilation of ISO fastener standards in an on-line format.

• There are also organizations that provide standards management services for you. You provide them a list of all the standards you need to keep up-to-date and they will either notify you or automatically supply you an updated version when it is released. Of course, there is fee on top of the cost of the standard for this service.

The subject of standards is a very important one. Fastener suppliers should know which standards are important to them and be sure to stay updated every time one of these gets revised. Beyond keeping them up-to-date, suppliers should have individuals that are “students” of these standards and know what is in them and how to read them. Organizations that don’t have such individuals should make a very concerted and intentional effort to get individuals educated on these documents. Finally, fastener suppliers and users, alike, should consider investing back into the industry by supporting experts from their organization to participate in their national standards committee work.

Q:Can

certify a product made to one standard with a different standard, such as taking raw material certified to a JIS standard and recertifying it to an

Dr. Fastener:

2021-2022

Vietnamese Fastener Market Analysis

2021-2022越南扣件市場分析

Vietnamese Economic Situation

Vietnam’s industrial production has rebounded well. By the middle of 2022, industrial production was more than 25% higher than the pre-pandemic (the 2019 average) level. Manufacturers in Vietnam have struggled over the past two years with COVID-19 wreaking havoc on their operations. During the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak in Vietnam, thousands of workers left major manufacturing hubs, particularly Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and returned to

their home provinces. Convincing those workers to return as the pandemic subsided and Vietnam reopened was somewhat of a challenge. Still, a 13 percent rise in industrial production, year-on-year, in September of 2022, was reported by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO). This suggests that challenge may have now been somewhat overcome. This is also reflected in the number of people currently employed. A total of 51.9 million people were employed in the third quarter of 2022, up from 51.6 million people in the second quarter of the same year.

Vietnam’s Exports will Continue to Grow

Despite the pandemic Vietnam still managed to maintain a significant export growth of 19 percent in 2019. This is expected to continue moving forward with the export growth projected to reach 14.5 percent this year, according to the statistics. Vietnam also maintained an average inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) of 4.5 percent over the 2019-2021 period. This is likely to continue with FDI in 2022 predicted to hit 4 percent of GDP. AMRO (The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office) also suggests there may even be an uptick in FDI because of “supply chain dislocations”. Notably, China’s zero-COVID policy has seen several manufacturers adopt a China plus one policy in which part of their supply chains are diversified out of China and into neighbouring countries. There is, however, room for improvement, with the report noting that: “Overall, employment and labour force participation rates have not reverted to pre-pandemic levels, and underemployment persists.”

The Vietnamese Economy Has Potential

With industrial production up, employment numbers continuing to improve, and a growth forecast of 7 percent, it’s fair to say that the AMRO consultation report has an overall relatively positive outlook for Vietnam. Yet, the country faces risks to its economic rebound in the short term – in particular, the lagging recovery of its tourism sector and supply chain blockages at its northern border because of China’s COVID-zero policy. By managing these challenges carefully, Vietnam may very well make a full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnamese Fasteners Situation

Vietnam’ s traded fastener value was USD 1293.516 million in 2021. The share of imported fasteners was 58.4% and the share of exported fasteners was 41.6% in 2021.

The 5 main partners of Vietnam in 2021 in the export sector were listed below which represented 62.2% of the whole export of Vietnam:

• The value of US imported fasteners from Vietnam was USD 92.747 million, equal to 17.2% of the whole export of Vietnam. The value of the total imported fasteners of USA was USD 6,587.396 million and the share of Vietnam was 1.4%.

• The value of German imported fasteners from Vietnam was USD 86.090 million, equal to 16.0% of the whole export of Vietnam. The value of the total imported fasteners of Germany was USD 4,509.393 million and the share of Vietnam was 1.9%.

• The value of Japanese imported fasteners from Vietnam was USD 71.729 million, equal to 13.3% of the whole export of Vietnam. The value of the total imported fasteners of Japan was USD 893.949 million and the share of Vietnam was 8.0%.

• The value of the Netherlands' imported fasteners from Vietnam was USD 56.177 million, equal to 10.4% of the whole export of Vietnam. The value of the total imported fasteners of the Netherlands was USD 1,137.311 million and the share of Vietnam was 4.9%.

• The value of Canadian imported fasteners from Vietnam was USD 27.746 million, equal to 5.2% of the whole export of Vietnam. The value of the total imported fasteners of Canada was USD 1,640.940 million and the share of Vietnam was 1.7%.

• The value of Others Countries' imported fasteners from Sweden Vietnam was USD 203.441 million, equal to 37.8% of the whole export of Vietnam.

The 4 main partners of Vietnam in 2021 in the import sector were listed below which satisfied 86.8% of Vietnam’ s fastener needs:

• The fastener value China exported to Vietnam was USD 381.263 million, equal to 50.5% of the whole import of Vietnam. The value of the total exported fasteners from China was USD 9,304.668 million and 4.1% was to Vietnamese customers.

• The fastener value Japan exported to Vietnam was USD

125.625 million, equal to 16.6% of the whole import of Vietnam. The value of the total exported fasteners from Japan was USD 2,925.109 million and 4.3% was to Vietnamese customers.

• The fastener value South Korea exported to Vietnam was USD 91.253 million, equal to 12.1% of the whole import of Vietnam. The value of the total exported fasteners from South Korea was USD 909.726 million and 10.0% was to Vietnamese customers.

• The fastener value Taiwan exported to Vietnam was USD 57.541 million, equal to 7.6% of the whole import of Vietnam. The value of the total exported fasteners from Taiwan was USD 5,333.746 million and 1.1% was to Vietnamese customers.

• The fastener value Other Countries exported to Vietnam was USD 99.904 million, equal to 13.2% of the whole import of Vietnam.

Last Word

H1 2022 fastener import statistics from Vietnam are shown below:

• Germany imported USD 81.179 million fasteners from Vietnam in the 1st half of 2022, which increased 1.9 times in comparison with 2021.

• USA imported USD 58.903 million fasteners from Vietnam in the 1st half of 2022, which means 1.27 times higher than 2021.

• The Netherlands imported USD 30.121 million fasteners from Vietnam in the 1st half of 2022, which increased 1.07 times in comparison with 2021.

• Canada imported USD 18.967 million fasteners from Vietnam in the 1st half of 2022, which means 1.37 times higher than 2021.

• Japan imported USD 18.688 million fasteners from Vietnam in the 1st half of 2022, which decreased 48% in comparison with 2021.

• Poland is a new buyer of Vietnamese fasteners. Polish consumers bought USD 21.291 million in the 1st half of 2022, which was higher than the purchases Canada and Japan.

On the other hand, in terms of imported fasteners by Vietnam in H1 2022:

• China exported USD 95.236 million fasteners to Vietnam in the 1st quarter of 2022, which means it was almost the same amount in comparison with 2021.

• South Korea exported USD 33.951 million fasteners to Vietnam in the 1st half of 2022, which decreased 25.6% in comparison with 2021.

• Taiwan exported USD 20.925 million fasteners to Vietnam in the 1st half of 2022, which decreased 27.3% in comparison with 2021.

• Japan exported USD 21.236 million fasteners to Vietnam in the 1st half of 2022, which decreased 66.2% in comparison with 2021.

German Passenger Car Production and Sales Review and Outlook

Overview of Passenger Car Production and Sales in Major European Countries

In 2021, 16.33 million units of cars were produced in major European countries, down 3.6% from the same period of 2020 and the European automotive industry continued to be affected by multiple factors such as the continuation of the epidemic and the lack of automotive chips, resulting in a stagnant supply of parts and components, which hindered the assembly and sales of complete vehicles and continued the recession in the second half of 2020. The main reason for the decrease in the number of automobile production was the slowdown of the production of Southern European countries, and the decline of 6.7% in Western European countries compared with the same period of the previous year. As observed from the major automobile producing countries, 8.013 million passenger cars were produced in major Western European countries in 2021, including 3.096 million passenger cars in Germany (11.9% reduction), 1.662 million passenger cars in Spain (7.7% reduction), 918,000 passenger cars in France (1.1% reduction), 860,000 passenger cars in the United Kingdom (6.6% decline), and 442,000 passenger cars in Italy (2.2% reduction).

The European automotive industry is suffering from high inflation and supply chain problems. In June 2021, the sales of passenger cars fell to the lowest since 1996. Sales in some car manufacturers plummeted by nearly half. The data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) show that the sales of passenger cars in Eurozone fell 17.1% to 1.07 million units in June, and in the same month, the sales of passenger cars in EU fell 15.4% to 886,000 units. The four major automotive markets in the European Union, including Spain, Italy, Germany and France, all showed a decline in the sales of passenger cars. In 2021, the sales of passenger cars in Germany fell by 18.1%, Italy by 15%, France by 14.2% and Spain by 7.8%.

According to the observation of automobile manufacturers, German VW was the hardest hit, with sales falling by nearly 25.2% year-on-year in June. Stellantis posted the biggest decline in the first half of 2021, with sales falling by 21.1%. Volvo's sales fell 47.9% in June and 28.5% in the first half of the year. Jaguar sales fell 13.2% in June and fell 34.7% in the first half of the year. Hyundai increased by 11.5% to 470,000 units. Japanese Toyota decreased by 4.9% to 320,000 units, ranking sixth in the market share, Nissan decreased by 14.3%, Mazda decreased by 20.5%, and Honda increased by 11.7%. In addition to inflation and supply chain problems, the recovery of the epidemic in some countries, coupled with the shortage of chips, continues to plague the European automotive industry, and the sales of cars have fallen for 12 months consecutively.

Although car manufacturers such as VW and Mercedes-Benz have said that the semiconductor shortage is gradually easing, they need to slowly increase production, and they are also adjusting and increasing car prices in response to soaring raw material and energy costs. Market research firm, LMC Automotive, predicts that the automotive industry may not be able to overcome supply constraints in the short term. With the worsening economic outlook, demand for cars has weakened in recent months, and there are growing concerns that German factories may close due to energy shortages, dragging down the main supply chain. The manufacturers have chosen to increase prices and focus on selling higher-priced cars to make up for lost sales, a strategy that may be limited as inflation rises and consumers cut back on spending.

On the other hand, the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) announced that the sales of global new cars of German automakers in the first half of 2022 would decrease by 13.7% in Europe, but increase by 3.7% to 1.02 million units in China and by 15.9% to 1.83 million units in India. Due to the strong demand and a good parts supply chain system, German automakers' sales in China and India are growing. Figure 1 shows the comparison of production and sales of passenger cars in major European countries.

德國乘用車產銷回顧與展望

European Electric Vehicle Market Overview ▼

The sales of electric vehicles in Europe grew 31% in the first half of 2022. The European passenger car market continues to experience difficult times, as the latest figures released by JATO Dynamics show that the number of passenger car registrations fell by 14% compared to the same period in 2021, with 5.54 million units sold in 27 European countries. Avoiding further declines is largely dependent on the performance of sport utility vehicles (SUV) and electric vehicles, and the number of sport utility vehicles (SUV) fell only slightly by 4% over the same period, accounting for nearly 50% of the total number of registrations. Electric vehicles increased from 485,000 units in the first half of 2021 to more than 633,000 units in the first half of 2022, which increased 31%. Pure electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 11.4% of the total market, 4.0% higher than the market share in 2021.

The growth in BEV demand has not benefited all automakers. For example, Tesla, which had a significant lead in the market, continues to sell more registered vehicles, but its growth is lagging behind the overall market. The market share of Tesla declined from 13.8% in the first half of 2021 to 13.3% in the first half of 2022.

In addition to competition from other brands, the Model 3, which used to be the best-selling model, has also become a major influence in dividing up the Model 3 with the start of deliveries of the same brand, the Model Y, which is in fact the most-registered electric vehicle in Europe in the first half of 2022. The VW Group, with its multi-brand strength, is the top-ranked company in Europe in terms of overall sales of pure electric vehicles, but overall sales are down significantly. BMW, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing pure electric vehicle manufacturer, with a market share of 8.4% in 2022, up from 5.8% in the first half of 2021, with the iX, iX3 and i4 models launched earlier in the year receiving strong consumer response.

The Hyundai Group is also growing faster than other car manufacturers, thanks to the excellent results of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, as well as the steady sales of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro, which have established the Hyundai Group as an attractive and strong electric vehicle manufacturer. Stellantis also strengthened its position as the second largest BEV seller in Europe during this period, second only to VW Group in terms of overall sales, thanks to the outstanding performance of the Fiat 500e, and the third largest pure EV vendor in Europe in terms of number of registrations.

Europe is one of the world's major markets for vehicle electrification. Data show that in July 2022 European electric vehicle sales fell 4.9% from a year earlier to 157,694 units, but on the positive side, the market share of electric vehicles is still relatively high, reaching 29.1%. Sales of pure EVs grew 19% year-overyear to around 91,000 units, accounting for 11.3% of the market, while sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles declined 25.1% year-over-year to around 66,000 units, accounting for 8.6% of the market.

1.

Comparison of Production and Sales of Passenger Cars in Major European Countries

Source: OICA; Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) (2022/12)

In terms of sales volume, Germany, the U.K., Italy and Norway all saw a decline in EV sales in July 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, with Norway being the more electrified country, declining more than 30.3%, and Italy declined 23.1%, while France, Sweden and the Netherlands saw EV sales growth of 9.4%, 11% and 1.1%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2021. In terms of sales volume, seven European countries saw significant declines in EV sales in July compared to June, with Norway declining the most (55.1%) and Germany declining the least (10.1%); France, the U.K. and Sweden declined 40.2%; and Italy and the Netherlands declined very similarly, both by more than 33%. In terms of market share, with the exception of France, Germany, the U.K., Sweden, Italy, Norway and the Netherlands all had lower EV market shares than in June. However, when compared to the same period in 2021, EV market share declined in the UK, Italy and Norway, but grew in Germany, France and Sweden. It is worth noting that Norway's share of the market saw a rare decline from 84.7% to 83.0%, but Sweden's EV market share increased significantly to 50.1% from 37.6% in the same period in 2021.

VW's data show that the volume of vehicle sales in the first half of 2022 fell by one-fifth compared to the same period in 2021, mainly due to a sharp decline in sales in Europe, but the sales of electric vehicle were boosted by the growth of the Chinese market. Total global sales fell 22.4 percent in the second quarter of 2022, with Central and Eastern Europe, including Russia, being the hardest hit with a 49.3 percent decline. Although VW's sales in Russia accounted for only about 2.1% of the total sales in 2021, the war between Russia and Ukraine has caused disruptions throughout the European automotive industry, and factors such as supply chain bottlenecks and inflation have also affected sales throughout Europe. VW suspended trade and production in Russia in March 2022, and has recently offered bonuses to Russian factory employees willing to leave before the end of the year. Sales in Western Europe fell 25.7 percent in the second quarter, while sales in China and North America declined at a smaller rate of 16-18 percent.

VW's pure electric vehicle sales of 217,000 units, or 5.6% of total vehicle sales, benefited from significant growth in China, where VW tripled its pure electric vehicle sales to 64,000 units annually in the first half of 2022. Despite this, VW's EV sales in China are still far behind Tesla's, with VW's sales in May 2022 about five times lower than Tesla's and even 10 times lower than those of Chinese EV maker BYD. The VW Group's ID.4 outsold all other electric vehicles worldwide by 67,000 units, followed by the 26,000-unit ID.3 and the 25,000-unit Audi e-tron.

German Electric Vehicle Industry Policy ▼

The European Union has announced a goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030, and the Transport & Environment Agency (T&E), an organization under the European Environment Association (Europäischen Umweltverbände), says that 33 million electric vehicles will be needed to replace conventional vehicles in the EU by then, and in order to achieve the carbon neutrality target, even 44 million electric vehicles are needed. With 280 million vehicles in the EU, only 2.6% of them are powered by pure batteries, and there are not enough

Figure

The

charging facilities for electric vehicles. It is estimated that the EU will need to bet 80 billion euros by 2030 to increase and popularize related infrastructure in response to the advent of the electric vehicle era.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the new German government plans to inject 60 billion euros (67 billion U.S. dollars) into the climate fund through additional budgets to fund climate goals for the next four years. As part of its commitment to phase out coal-fired power generation by the end of 2030, Germany's new government wants enough renewable energy to supply 80% of its demand. The government has pledged to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2045, and to accelerate the economic transition to the electric vehicle industry.

According to a coalition agreement between the Social Democrats, the Greens and the Free Democrats, EV subsidies (€6,000-9,000 per vehicle) will continue until 2025, but the agreement does not specify whether the subsidies will be extended, and at the same time, it states that existing taxes on gasoline, heating oil, coal and natural gas consumption (which cushion the total cost of ownership of conventional engine vehicles) will not be increased. In October 2019, Germany adopted the 2030 Climate Action Program, which plans to have 10 million electric vehicles on the road and more than 1 million electric vehicle charging stations by 2030.

German Electric Vehicle Market Overview ▼

In 2021, Germany sold 1,084,000 electric vehicles, which is 1.3 times the sales volume in 2020, including 335,000 pure electric vehicles, accounting for 30.9% of electric vehicle sales. The top 5 vehicle manufacturers and models in terms of sales volume are Tesla model 3 (35,626 units), VW UP! (30,797 units), VW ID.3 (26,693 units), Renault ZOE (24,746 units), Daimler Smart (17,413 units). The top 5 sales accounted for 40.3%. Figure 2 shows the percentage of sales by major manufacturers of pure electric vehicles in Germany in 2021.

Despite the breakthrough in electric vehicle sales and licensing in 2021, the total number of electric vehicles running in Germany every day is approximately 1.35 million (45% of which are pure electric vehicles and 55% of which are complex electric vehicles and plug-in complex electric vehicles), which is still a low percentage in Germany's 52.16 million vehicles, and there is considerable development potential and space. Thanks to the support of industrial policies and purchase subsidies, the market has great potential for future development.

Opportunities for Taiwan Manufacturers from German Automobile Production and Sales ▼

Electric vehicles are not only the mainstream of the market in the future, but also lead the related industries into a new change. After the electrification of cars, is it a crisis or an opportunity? The electrification

of automobiles has become an irreversible trend, and conventional vehicles are considered an outdated technology. As the power source of vehicles moves from fuel to electric power, it is not only the overall system architecture of the vehicle that is changing. Electric vehicles are an innovative industry that incorporates IT, and with that comes diversification of manufacturing models, making the market for electric vehicles increasingly hot.

Compared to traditional internal combustion engine powered vehicles, which use traditional components such as engines and transmissions as the power system, the power source of electric vehicles is the power battery, electric motor and the importance of the so-called "three electric" drive, for the original responsible for a number of automotive components industry, does it mean that the market will significantly weaken the demand, resulting in market shrinkage?

Looking at the structure of a traditional car to an electric vehicle, there are three key differences: the motor replaces the engine, the battery replaces the fuel tank, and the reduction gearbox replaces the transmission. In the past, an engine required 1,200 components. Replacing a conventional engine with an electric motor significantly reduces the number of components required to more than 100. The need for engine system components such as cylinder blocks, pistons, crankshafts, exhaust valves and camshafts also changes. Since there is no need for an engine and intake/exhaust system, the transmission is also relatively simplified as a reduction mechanism.

This means that the traditional milling, drilling, enameling, threading, grinding, and other complex metal cutting processes (including various types of fasteners and locking parts) will change because fewer items need to be processed. In order to adapt to the various types of special machines, automated production lines, tools, fixtures, and jigs derived from this process, we adjust the design and application appropriately. The demand for automotive parts and components industry applications has changed.

Although the electrification of automobiles has eliminated key components such as engines and transmissions, other components have increased, including gearboxes (gear sets), aluminum alloy wheels (forged or cast), light alloy (aluminum alloy) body panels, three-electric systems such as power battery temperature management systems and brackets, power motor rotors and stators, aluminum alloy (drive) control boxes, and other related components. Taiwan automotive parts manufacturers have considerable manufacturing and sales performance and energy, and there are many hidden champions with great potential. Taiwan and Germany have formed a complementary relationship in the manufacturing and processing of components. On the surface, it seems that the popularity of electric vehicles will have an impact and pressure on the changes in the components industry; however, the so-called crisis is an opportunity. The electric vehicle industry will be full of challenges and opportunities in the future.

Article by James Hsiao

Copyright owned by Fastener World

Figure 2. Shares of Germany Main Manufacturers of Pure Electric Vehicles Sales in 2021

Source: Marklines; Industrial Technology Research Institute (2022/12)

Quickly Get Connected with the Best Suppliers

Surface Molds Dies HeatTreatment

Fittings

2023 Buyers’ Guide Fasteners sEcondaryProcessing

One Step to Make Your Purchase Easy!

Do not waste your time on doing aimless search online and finding out nothing that suits your needs! We have included reliable and well-known suppliers from the field of raw materials, fasteners & fittings, secondary processing, surface and heat treatment, molds & dies and related equipment and peripheral service, making each of your purchase the fastest and most efficient one. Scan now to view their profiles.

You are also welcome to visit Fastener World Global Sourcing Network https://www.fastener-world.com/keyword.php to find out more excellent suppliers.

BUYERS' GUIDE

AN CHEN FA MACHINERY CO., LTD.

1933: Mr. Kuo Yung-Tieh founded ACF Machinery Co., Ltd. 1933

~ 1950: The company engaged in manufacture and repair of automobile component parts. As the quality of the automobile parts and components made by ACF and the technical service rendered by ACF are recognized, ACF founded its foundation well with good reputation all over the island to Taiwan.

Wire Drawing Machine/Straightening Machine

安全發機械廠股份有限公司 ISO-9001

AD page: 2

ART SCREW CO., LTD.

The most reliable "screw" that eliminates anxiety of 1%. "Motiontite" is the screw (bolt) that has the entirely new structure with the innovative thread shape to resolve both of the two biggest complaints about the screw, "loosening" and "breakage." Work is completed by only tightening in a normal way like a normal screw. We provide innovative technologies achieving reduction in weight and cost.

MOTIONTITE (Anti-loosening Screw)

BAOJI BOZE METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Baoji Boze Metal Products Co., Ltd. is mainly engaged in the R&D, manufacturing and marketing of titanium and titanium alloy products. We offer titanium bars, forgings, wires and welding wires in various specifications such as ASTM B338, ASME SB348, ASTM B265, ASTM B381, ASME SB381, ASTM B861, ASTM B862, ASTM F67, ASTM F136. AMS 4928, AMS 4911 AND ISO 5832/23, and titanium precision machined parts (screws, bolts, nuts, washers, studs and threaded rods, and sputtering targets, especially the customized parts with drawings), which are widely used in aerospace, chemical engineering, petroleum...

寶雞博澤金屬製品有限公司

AD page: 97

BEIJING JINZHAOBO HIGH STRENGTH FASTENER CO., LTD.

Beijing Jinzhaobo High Strength Fastener Co., Ltd, established in 2000 is an industrial company with large-scale production of highstrength fasteners in Beijing.

Structural Bolts/TC Bolts/Welding Studs/Anchor Bolts/High Strength Bolts

北京金兆博高強度緊固件有限公司 CE, FPC, ISO-9001

anchenfa@ms10.hinet.net

www.anchenfa.com.tw

AD page: 88

info@artscrew.co.jp

www.artscrew.co.jp/english/

admin@bozemetal.com

www.bozemetal.com

info@jzbolts.com

www.bjzhaobo.com

CHENG FANG YUAN MACHINERY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Welcome to Cheng Fang Yuan Machine Company. In this variation society and industry environment, Cheng Fang Yuan Machine corporate goal is providing perfect machine equipment and best customer service to our customers.

Nuts Tapping Machine/Filling Feeder/Arraying Feeder

正方元機械工業有限公司 CE

CHIEN TSAI MACHINERY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Chien Tsai Machinery Enterprise Co., Ltd. was founded in 1973 in Taiwan, which is a professional manufacturer of thread rolling machines and slotting machines.

Thread Rolling Machine/Heading Machine/Automatic Thread Slotting Machine

鍵財機械企業股份有限公司  CE

AD page: 22

CHITE ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.

CHITE ENTERPRISES CO., LTD. began operations in 1994, and has been one of the most rapidly growing companies for fasteners business in Taiwan and China during the past decade. We have devoted to providing the best service, quality and prices to our customers since the company was founded.

Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws,Self-drilling Screws, Customized Special Screws / Bolts, Multi-strokes Special Screws / Bolts, All kinds of Nuts, Customized Nuts, Stamped Parts, Anchors, Customized Fasteners

尚余企業股份有限公司

AD page: 140

ISO-9001, ISO/IEC-17025, TAF, TÜV

DONGGUAN GRAND METAL COMPANY LIMITED

Dongguan Grand Metal Company Limited, First-rate Clinching Fastener Manufacturer From OEM to Independent R&D. Founded in September 2003, Dongguan Grand Metal offers various standard clinching fasteners including A286 SP clinching nuts, ISO13918-compliant welded screws and studs. Rivets/Blind Nuts/Rivet Nuts/CNC parts, CNC lathe/Self-clinching Nuts/Spacers/Cage Nuts/Insert Nuts/Clinch Nuts/Welding Studs/ Brass Insert/Coupling Nuts/Clinch Studs

東莞市昕藝精密五金有限公司 ISO-9001, IATF16949, ISO/TS-16949

AD page: 46

besttapping@gmail.com

www.cfy.com.tw

jiancai@jiancai.com.tw

www.jiancai.com.tw

bill@chite.com.tw

www.chite.com.tw

zhuyb@grandametal.com

www.grandametal.com

FOSHAN CITY GUANGQINGCHANG METAL PLASTIC CO., LTD.

Our factory Foshan City Guangqingchang Metal Plastic Co., Ltd, an ISO 9001 certified company, is a professional blind rivets manufacturer with the experience of more than 25 years. Our purpose is to offer the best products, competitive price and good service for customers.

Blind Rivets

佛山市廣慶昌金屬塑料有限公司 ISO-9001, IATF16949

AD page: 9

GUANGDONG BOITO BUILDING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Guangdong Boito Building Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2006 and is located in Vientiane Industrial Park, Yangdong City, Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province. It covers an area of 13,333 square meters with a construction area of about 10,000 square meters. It has an investment of RMB 100 million, an annual production capacity of 8,000 tons, and an annual output value of about RMB 150 million.

廣東伯億特建築科技有限公司 ISO-9001:2015

AD page: 85

GUANGDONG KUABIAO CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Guangdong Kuabiao Construction Technology Co., Ltd. (Dongguan Kuabiao Stainless Steel Fastener Co., LTD.) was established In 2005. Focused on high quality carbon steel, stainless steel fasteners production and sales.

Stainless Steel Screws/Composite Screws/Color-coated Screws/ Self-drilling Screws/Stainless Steel Bolts/Stainless Steel Washers/ Carbon Steel Screws/Bi-metal Self-drilling Screws/Bi-metal Screw

廣東跨標建築科技有限公司 CE, ISO-9001:2015

AD page: 52

GUANG DONG SHITELAO FASTENER SYSTEM CO., LTD.

Guangdong STL Fastening System is the world’s first-class fastener manufacturer. It owns international quality management systems compliant manufacturing and quality control capability.

Washers and fasteners

廣東史特牢緊扣系統有限公司 IATF16949, ISO-14001, ISO-9001, IRIS2, AS9100D

AD page: 59

sales@qingchang.com.cn

jiaqi.guo@qingchang.com.cn

www.qingchangrivet.com

lori@boitoscrew.com

www.boitoscrew.com

kuabiao@xtke-sea.com

www.gdkuabiao.com

szjyd@dg-jyd.com

www.szjyd-lock.com

GUANGDONG YANGJIANG HONGHUI METAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

For 25 years,Honghui has been dedicated to developing and manufacturing self-drilling/tapping screws,wood screws and so on. It is one of the first expert manufacturers and developers of self-drilling screws in China. In addition, it manufactures and sells various types of fastener products, providing high-end clients with premium service. Now it is the top manufacturer of self-drilling screws in Guangdong.

廣東陽江宏惠金屬科技有限公司

ISO-14001, ISO-9001, ISO-9001:2015

info@longxincn.com

www.honghuijinshu.com/

AD page: 39

HAINING JINJIE METAL CO., LTD.

Our factory in Haining city, Zhejiang province. China is 70km from Hangzhou & Ningbo City. 150km from Shanghai city. Main market including: Europe, Russia, South America & other countries and areas. We can provide OEM&ODM for clients, we will provide fast loading, good quality and good price for all the clients.

海寧金捷金屬股份有限公司

ISO-9001, ISO-14001

jacky@gtfixen.com

www.gtfixen.com

AD page: 25

HAIYAN GETE HARDWARE CO., LTD.

HAIYAN GETE HARDWARE CO.,LTD is a bolt and screw manufacturer and full-line hardware and fastener supplier located in Haiyan, Zhejiang, China. Our bolt products mainly include Carriage Bolt, Track Bolt, Hex Flange Bolt, Hex Bolt, Concrete Anchor Bolt, T bolt, Square Head Bolt and Hex Socket Bolt...

Concrete Screws, Wood Screws, Self-Tapping Screws, Self-Drilling Screws, Chipboard Screws, Deck Screws. We can also supply you full ranges of nut and washer which are used for assembling the bolts.

海鹽格特五金有限公司

AD page: 90

ISO-9001

HAIYAN SANHUAN FASTENERS CO., LTD.

SANHUAN FASTENERS CORP. LTD. , established in 1990, with ISO9002 certificate, is a professional manufacturer and exporter specialized in various standard and nonstandard fasteners and hardware components.

All Kinds Of Nuts/All Kinds of Screws/Threaded Rods/Anchors/ Washers/Spring Pins/U Bolts

海鹽三桓緊固件有限公司

AD page: 56

ISO-9001

yyp@getehardware.com

www.getehardware.com

info@sanhuan-co.com

www.sanhuan-co.com/

HAIYAN WEISHI FASTENERS CO., LTD.

Haiyan Weishi is a manufacturing expert in nuts. In the past 25 years since 1995, the company has continued manufacturing GB/ DIN/ANSI/BS-compliant standard nuts as well as supplying nonstandard fasteners. Just recently, it announced the rollout of M30-M36 DIN934 nuts and 1-1/8, 1-1/4 nuts as an addition to the product line so that clients can purchase a complete range of nuts from small to large sizes straight from Haiyan Weishi.

Hexagon Nuts/Flange Nuts/Nylon Insert Nuts/American Standard Nuts/Cold Forged Nuts/Heavy Nuts

海鹽衛士標準件有限公司

AD page: 91

ISO-9001

Hangzhou Grand Imp.& Exp. Co., Ltd. (Haiyan Jiamei Hardware)

GRAND INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. was established in 1985. In the beginning, it was a large state-owned enterprise. With the development of business and transition of system, now the company is complete with privatization and hold shares. We have two subsidiary companies: HANGZHOU GRAND IMPORT & EXPORT CO.,LTD. and NFTZ GRAND INDUSTRIES CO.,LTD. We have two joint venture factories: Zhapu Xinye Fastener Manufacturing Co.,LTD. and Hangzhou Spring Lock Washer Factory.

杭州德蘭進出口有限公司

AD page: 26

HANGZHOU LIZHAN HARDWARE CO., LTD.

Lizhan Hardware Co.,Ltd. is located in the beautiful paradiseHangzhou,the geographical position is superior, close to Shanghai and Ningbo port,to bring great convenience to customers.

Self Drilling Screws/Drywall Screws/Decking Screws/Chipboard

Screws/Tapping Screws/Concrete Screws/Machine Set Screws/ other types of costomized products

杭州力展五金有限公司

AD page: 34

ISO-9001:2005

HE BEI XINYU METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Hebei Xinyu Metal Products Co.,Ltd is an ISO9001:2008 certified company which specializes in manufacturing stamped parts. The main products include embedded T- Nuts, Stamped Wing Nuts, Pallet Nuts ,Propelled nuts , Doggie Tooth Washers and so on. Complete range of products specifications can also be customized on-demand. All those products are well marketed to America, Europe, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.

Forged and Stamped Parts/Tee or T Nuts/Wing Nuts

河北鑫宇金屬制品股份有限公司

AD page: 75

ISO-9001

andy.huang@wsfastener.com

www.wsfastener.com

warryzhou@grandind.com

www.jiameihardware.com/index.aspx

gm@lizhan-hardware.net

www.lizhan-hardware.net

xy@t-nuts.cn

www.t-nuts.cn

HEBEI GOODFIX INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Established in 2013, it's a high-tech enterprise, combining the function of R&D, production and distribution. Owning 4 large scale manufacturing units with more than 500 staff, being one of the largest production scale in China for anchors and threaded rods. FIXDEX also approved by ISO 9001 certificate and the factories operation performed according to 6S standard. FIXDEX fasteners comply with both DIN and international standards, to provide a full range of products.

Anchors, Threaded , Photovoltaic Brackets

河北固耐安工業股份有限公司 CE, ISO 9001

AD page: 54

HISENER INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Hisener mainly provides screws. In the last two years it exported a total of 87 thousand tons of screws, up 17%. Now it has become one of the biggest fastener suppliers in the world.

Deck Screws/Wood Screws/Roofing Screws/ Chipboard Screws/ Concrete Screws/ Self-tapping Screws/ Machine Screws/Selfdrilling Screws

浙江海迅精密科技有限公司 CE, ISO-9001, CE 14566, CE 14592, ETA, ISO-9001:2015, ISO-14001, ISO-45001

info@fixdex.com

www.fixdex.com

AD page: 29

HONG FU METAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

Hong Fu Metal Industrial is a reliable used fastener machinery supplier from Taiwan. We are a professional in exporting used fastener equipment to the world. Our major products includes heading machine, thread rolling machine, cold bolt former, nut former, hex head trimming machine and etc.Our machinery are inspected and supplied in perfect working order.

Buy And Sell Used Fastener Machinery/Cold Header/Nut Formers/ Screw (Bolt) Formers/Assembly Machine/Heading Machine

鴻富金屬工業有限公司

AD page: 69

HUNAN LIANGANG FASTENERS CO., LTD.

Since established in 1992, Huanan Liangang Fasteners Co., Ltd. has been specialized in Blind Rivet Nut design and manufacturing. With more than 30 years of development, Hunan LG has been the leading manufacturer of Blind Rivet Nut in China.

Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts

湖南蓮港緊固件有限公司 ISO-9001, IATF16949

sales@hisener.com

www.hisener.com

hongfu1688@gmail.com

www.fastener-machine.com

wendy.tan@liangang.com

www.liangang.com

AD page: 17

HUNG-YIN ENTERPRISE

As you put Hung-Yin’s straightening machine into your production line, you can adopt lower-cost continuous furnace to refine long screws and process them via the straightening machine. You benefit from not just lower production cost, but also improved capacity and precise control on quality and delivery, furthermore satisfying clients’ demand for the best production condition.

Straightening Machine

鴻印企業行

JIANGSU YONGYI FASTENER CO., LTD.

Jiangsu Yongyi Fastener Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer of high-strength structural bolts and high-strength big bolts. The production base is located in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, covering an area of 110000 square meters, a plant area of 83,000 square meters.We have passed the CQC ISO9001:2015 quality system certificate and took the lead in establishing ISO/IEC17025 standard laboratory.

EN-14399, EN-15048, A325,A490, JIS1186, AS-1252, DIN912, DIN931, DIN933

江蘇甬怡緊固件有限公司 ISO-9001, CE, CNAS ISO-17025

AD page: 43

JIAXING CAVORT HARDWARE CO., LTD.

Fastener manufacturer & trader since 2008. Making and trading around 1000 tons of fasteners a month, Jiaxing Cavort is an export-focused business of 15 years. We distribute hardware and fasteners worldwide. Bolts, nuts, screws, washers threaded bars and anchors.

A2/EPDM Bonded Sealing Washers, Stainless Steel Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Anchors, Blind Rivets, Blind Nuts, Insert Nuts, Furniture Fixing Connectors, Specially Parts By Drawings.

嘉興卡沃德五金有限公司

AD page: 32

JIAXING CHIAYO IMPORT AND EXPORT CO., LTD. (Lianyungang Suli)

We have the outstanding management team, advanced production concept and equipment.

Construction Fasteners/Deck Screws/Chipboard Screws/High Low Thread Screws/Roofing Screws/Self-Tapping Screws/Drywall Screws/Self-drilling Screws/Concrete Screws/Countersunk Screws/Wing Screws/Screws in Small Packs

嘉興市嘉友進出口有限公司(連雲港德友)

ISO-9001, CE 14566, CE 14592

AD page: 47

xy003@xylxchina.com

www.yongyifasteners.com

jxcavort@nbcavort.com

www.nbcavort.com

sales.a@kocmoc.cn

www.kocmoc.cn

JIAXING FASTEN FIX CO., LIMITED

Fasten Fix was established in 2007. We are specialized in producing blind rivets, rivet nuts and clinch fasteners and Welding studs. With advanced requirements and testing facilities, our products meet GB, DIN, ANSI, JIS, AS and ISO international standards.

Blind Rivets/Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts/Pneumatic & hydraulic Riveters/Welding Studs

嘉興捷固五金制品有限公司 IATF16949

AD page: 15

JIAXING GOODWAY HARDWARE

GOODWAY is located in Jiaxing city which is one of the biggest fastener & hardware centers in China. It only takes 20 minutes from Jiaxing to Shanghai by high speed train, so the transportation is very convenient.

Drawing Parts,Stamped Parts, Cold Forming Parts, Hot Forging Parts, CNC Machining Parts, Assembly Parts, Fastener Kits, Weld Parts, laser cutting parts

嘉興市固威貿易有限公司

AD page: 23

ISO-9001

JIAXING HAINA FASTENER CO., LTD.

For many years of export experience, our products has been bestselling in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The products are manufactured by multi-function machine, bought from domestic and foreign well-known enterprises. The products made are fully compatible with international standards, well received by domestic and foreign customers. Through scientific management, we obtained ISO9000 certificate of Quality Managerment System, SGS and BV international certificate system.

Stainless Steel Bolt, Nut,Screw, Washer, Solar Hanger Bolt, Roof Hook and Aluminum Fitting for Solar

嘉興海納緊固件有限公司

AD page: 51

ISO-9001:2015

JIAXING UPRIGHT IMPORT & EXPORT LIMITED COMPANY

Jiaxing Upright Export&Import Limited Company specializes in producing and selling fasteners. We hold advanced cold forging technology and equipment. We have our own factory Jiaxing Zhaofeng Hardware Technology Limited Company.

Hex Nuts, Flange Nuts, Nylon Insert Nuts, Auto Parts, Screws, Bolts, Hexagon Weld Nuts

嘉興市正上進出口有限公司 ISO 9001

AD page: 95

sales@fastenfix.cn

www.fasten-fix.com

jackchang@goodway-fastener.com

www.goodway-hardware.com

tony@hainafastener.com

www.hainafastener.com

kellenhoo@hynut.com

www.hynut.com

BUYERS' GUIDE

JIAXING KINFAST HARDWARE CO., LTD.

Among thousands of Chinese fastener suppliers, KINFAST always remains in the front of the group. Founded in 1997, we focus on organizing a team with a wide product range, good quality control system and professional knowledge.We offer high quality, competitive price and good service to wholesalers and manufacturers worldwide. Your satisfaction is our best reward.

Stainless Steel Screws, Concrete Screws, Concrete Screw Anchors, Safety Wood Screws, Wood Construction Screws, Collated Screws, Long Screws, Long Nails, Stainless Steel Fasteners, Solar Accessories, Wedge Anchors, Chemical Anchors

嘉興海德五金有限公司 ISO-9001, CE

AD page: 102

JINGLE-TECH FASTENERS CO., LTD.

Our company is one of main manufacturer for fasteners in China for more than 20 years. We produce & supply Bolts, Nuts,Screws and special hardware products in Carbon steel,Stainless steel,Alloy steel,Brass & Nylon. Production is acc.to IFI,DIN,BS,ISO,JIS,AS or Customer drawings.

Self-Drilling Screws, Chipboard Screws, Wood Screws, Carriage Bolts, Hanger Bolts, Nuts Series, T Bolts, Concrete Bolts, Stainless Steel Screws

寧波欣遠鈞固進出口有限公司 ISO-9001, CE

AD page: 28

LINKFAST TECHNICAL CO., LTD.

LINKFAST is a subsidiary of CHINFAST group, established in 2013. It is a manufacturing enterprise, mainly producing hexagon nuts, nylon nuts, hexagon wood screws, wood construction screws and flat washers. The company is located in the fastener base, Haiyan. At present, LINKFAST exports around 2000 tons per month all over the world, and has won the trust and praise of customers.

Chipboard Screw, Timber Screw, Advanced multi-purpose Screw, Decking Screw, Hex washer head Self-drilling Screw

嘉興銘承精工科技有限公司 ISO9001, SMETA, CE:EN15048-1:2007, EN14592:2008+A1:2012, EN14566+A1:2010

AD page: 19

MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions

MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions (MEIS) innovates and manufactures chemical compounds for all surface coating applications including cleaning, activating, brightening, electro and electroless plating, anti-tarnishing and rust inhibiting.

麥德美樂思工業解決方案

AD page: 16

info@kfproduct.com

www.kinfast.com

sales@jinglecorp.com

www.jinglecorp.com

info@linkfast.cc

www.linkfast.cc

marketing@macdermidenthone.com

industrial.macdermidenthone.com

NINGBO HUASHEN YULU SET SCREWS CO., LTD.

We are specialized in manufacturing Class steel, brass ,alloy steel set screws. We would like to offer quality products to clients and establish favourable quality, advanced marketing philosophy and sincere service in order to achieve consistent development on our set screws.

Socket Set Screws/Socket Head Set Screws/Slotted Set Screws/Security Set Screws/Hollow Set Screws/Hollow Jam Socket Set Screws/Brass Tip Set Screws/Stainless Square Set Screws/Headless Set Screws

寧波華申羽路緊固件有限公司 ISO-9001

AD page: 45

NINGBO RUIYI METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Professional manufacturer of stainless steel screws and hardware products. We provide high-quality screws and hardware products, competitive prices and professional sales and technical service.

Stainless steel self-drilling screws/Stainless steel self-tapping screws/Stainless steel chipboard screws/Stainless steel machine screws

hs@hs-bolt.com

www.set-screw.com

AD page: 107

NINGBO SUNLONG IMP AND EXP CO., LTD.

Ningbo Sunlong Imp and Exp Co., LTD. located in Cixi City, Zhejiang Province. It is 50 kilometers from Ningbo , 120 kilometers from Shanghai and 100 kilometers Hangzhou.

Bi-Metal Screws, Stainless Steel Screws, Wood Screws, Construction Timber Screw, Sandwich Panel Screw, Roofing Screws, Distance Screw, Terrace Screws,Floor Board Screw, Angle Bracket Screw

寧波嵊隆進出口有限公司 CE, ISO-9001:2015

AD page: 36

NINGBO WEIFENG FASTENER CO., LTD.

Ningbo Weifeng Fastener Co.,Ltd is specialized in all series of fasteners ,such as screws, washers, nuts, bolts, anchors and stainless steel products. Any inquiries, plz feel free to send email to tony@wf-fastener.com Ningbo Weiifeng Fastener Co.,Ltd is Located on Yuyao City which is easy of access.

Nylon Nail Anchors/Self-drilling Screws/Self-Tapping Screws/Sleeve Anchors/Thread Rod/Eye Bolts/Nylon Screws/Spring Washers/Flat Washers/Stainless Steel Self Drilling Screws/Stainless Steel Self Tapping Screws/Hollow Wall Anchors

寧波威鋒緊固件有限公司 CE, ISO-9001

AD page: 57

sales@ry-screw.com

www.ry-screw.com

Yolanda@nbsunlong.com

www.nbsunlong.com

tony@wf-fastener.com

www.wf-fastener.com

寧波瑞熠金屬製品有限公司

NINGBO ZHISHANG SPECIAL FASTENERS CO., LTD.

NINGBO ZHISHANG SPECIAL FASTENERS CO., LTD. (previously Ningbo Maowang Rivet Mfg. Co., Ltd.) is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of blind rivets and riveting tools in China, specialized in making high-grade blind rivets under the brand of "Maowang", the registered trademark for more than 10 years.

Blind Rivets/Multigrip Rivets/Drive Rivets/Solid Rivets/Hollow Rivets

寧波至上特種緊固件有限公司 IATF16949, ISO-9001

AD page: 49

PRINCE FASTENER (NANTONG) MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.

30-year fastener manufacturer, your one-stop fasteners manufacturer. Prince Fastener is an ISO-certified fastener factory with 200 production equipments and testing equipments, and more than 10,000 tons of annual production capacity. Prince Fastener is here for creating quality screws with competitive costs for you, and offer the technical supports and exclusive services for your business.

Chipboard Screw, Drywall Screw, Self-tapping Screw, Self-drilling Screw, Customized Screw, Machine Screw, Stainless Steel Screw, Bolts and Nuts

王梓標準件制造(南通)有限公司

AD page: 53

RUIAN DOUBLE-GOLD MACHINERY ACCESSORY FACTORY

Double-gold factory imported the international advanced equipment of controlled atmosphere heat treatment (Austempering) from Switzerland, taking a leaping step to promote the quality of homemade fasteners, advancing bravely and bearing the responsibilities to invigorate Chinese standard parts industry and get rid of the crisis of dependence on import of fasteners.

Spring Washers, Split Rings, Retaining Rings, Circlips, Flat Washers, Etc.

瑞安市雙金機械附件廠

AD page: 74

ISO-14001, ISO-9001

SACMA GROUP

Commitment to Quality, Modularity, Excellence, Reliability, Customer Centricity, Continuous Improvement, Innovation, Team Working and Employees Engagement are the core values that have been defining Sacma since 1939, world leader manufacturer of multi-station cold forming machines for high-precision metal components and fasteners. At our Headquarters in Limbiate, north of Milan, our 60.000m2 plant is the beating heart of Sacma Group. Here, through an insourced, fully vertically integrated and modular production system we are able to machine mechanical parts with the highest standards for precision and raw material quality that is second to none.

SACMA LIMBIATE S.P.A. ISO-9001

AD page: 4

sales@zsrivet.com

www.zsrivet.com

princefastener@gmail.com

www.princefastener.com

shuangjin@double-gold.cn

www.double-gold.com.cn

info@sacmalimbiate.it

www.sacmagroup.com

AD page: 25

SAILUK RIVET CO., LTD.

Sailuk Rivet Co., Ltd. was established in 1990, located in Guangdong province, Foshan City, that is the economic prosperity region in China. Our Company is specializing in producting the best quality rivets. Through good management and rapid development, it has become one of the leading rivet manufacturers in China. We export to over 30 different countries all over the world and sell over 3 billion peices in average annually.

Aluminum Rivets/Stainless Steel Rivets/Blind Rivets/Multigrip Rivets/Rivets

佛山市南海區西河五金製品有限公司 IATF16949, ISO-9001

AD page: 68

SAN TZENG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

San Tzeng has stuck to the managing strategy-the more competitive strengths you own, the more markets you earn, and the managing principle-High Quality and Professional Serviceto run its business. By researching aggressively and offering the most competitive products, San Tzeng is a professional supplier for tapping and forming oil.

Forming Oil/Tapping Oil/Bolt Stamping Oil/Nut Forming Oil/Metal Working Oil/Rust Preventative Oil

三城企業有限公司 ISO-14001, ISO-9001

SAN YUNG ELECTRIC HEAT MACHINE CO., LTD.

San-Yung established in Taiwan in 1970 which is the biggest mesh belt type continuous furnace manufacturer in Asia & the best supplier of mesh belt type continuous furnace for heat-treatment of fasteners, San-Yung occupied 90% of Taiwanese fastener industry.

Heat Treatment Furnace/Annealing Furnace/Quenching Furnace/ Surface Treatment And Related Equipment

三永電熱機械股份有限公司 CE, ISO-9001

AD page: 5

SHANGHAI CHUN ZU MACHINERY INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Shanghai Chun Zu Machinery Industry Co.,Ltd. (SHCZ) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chun Zu Machinery Industry Co., Ltd (TWCZ) in Taiwan and a specialized manufacturer of metal forming﹜thread rolling and tooling etc. for making fasteners and other mass produced metal parts.

Fastener Makers/Nut Formers/Screw (Bolt) Formers

上海春日機械工業有限公司 ISO-9001

AD page: 12

sales@sailuk-rivet.com

www.sailuk-rivet.com

san.cheng@msa.hinet.net

www.fastener-world.com/en/supplier/san-tzeng

tsy@sanyung.com

www.sanyung.com

chunzu@chunzu.com.cn

chunzucn.yun2u.cn

SHANGHAI DELON RIVET MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.

Shanghai Delon Special Rivet Manufacture Co .,Ltd, established in 1991, is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of blind rivets, rivet nuts and rivet installation tools in the China. Our vast selection of blind rivets provide fixing and fastening solutions for many applications in industries.

Blind Rivets/Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts/Structural Rivets/Hand Rivet Tools, Hand Rivet Nut/Rivet Bolt Tools, Air Hydraulic Rivet

上海狄龍鉚釘製造有限公司 ISO-9001

AD page: 24

SHANGHAI TONE MACHINE CO., LTD.

With years of effort, TONE has had all of its automatic rivet nut tools and rivet tools patented in China and certified to CE. Most importantly, TONE has abundant technology and owns a group of technical staff, R&D/sales teams, and maintenance & repair engineers, particularly good at working with customers to solve technical issues in applications and providing customers with customized service.

Pneumatic/hydraulic Riveters/Rivet Nut Tools/Hand Rivet Tools, Hand Rivet Nut/Rivet Bolt Tools, Air Hydraulic Rivet

上海托恩機械有限公司 CE

AD page: 14

SIJIN INTELLIGENT FORMING MACHINERY CO., LTD.

Ningbo Sijin Machinery Co., Ltd. is a national new & high-tech enterprise, which was founded in 1993. We own a standard workshop reaching 20,000 m2, and a large group of domestic CNC machining equipment and testing equipment.

Parts Forming Machine/Open Die Machine/Nut Formers/Screw (Bolt) Formers

思進智能成形裝備股份有限公司 CE, ISO-9001

AD page: 50

SPECIAL RIVETS CORP. (SRC)

Established in 1983, SRC specializes in manufacturing blind rivets, blind rivet nuts and riveting tools. With two ISO 9001 certified facilities in China, we manufacture 6000 million blind rivets and 200,000pcs high-quality riveters annually, leaving no doubt that we can cover your largest, most demanding orders.

Blind Rivets/Flat Head Rivets/Hand Riveters/Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts/Closed End Rivets/Hand Rivet Tools, Hand Rivet Nuts/ Rivet Bolt Tools, Air Hydraulic Rivets/Multigrip Rivets/Painted Rivets/Countersunk Rivets/High Strength Rivets/Rivet Nut Tools/ Structural Rivets

恆昭企業股份有限公司

AD page: 10

ISO-9001

z.tao@delonrivet.com

www.delonrivet.com

tone@sweet-tool.com

www.sweet-tool.com

sijinchina@machinesijin.com

www.machinesijin.com

srcrivet@ms12.hinet.net

www.srcrivet.com

SSF INDUSTRIAL CO., LIMITED

Stamping is the Source of LiFe to SSF. SSF is a professional stamping parts manufacturer established since 2010 and is located in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China. With a more than 10,000m² production and storage area and 30 sets of auto-punching machines, we have a monthly capacity of 1500 tons for various non-standard stampings like furniture-angles, wood connectors, strut fittings, clamps and a full range of standard flat washers.

Stamped Parts/Furniture Fittings/Flat Washers/Lock Washers/ Finishing Washers/HDG Washers/Square Washers

聊城市固特金屬製品有限公司 ISO-9001

AD page: 138

SUZHOU RUIBO MACHINERY AND ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

We are a professional steel and stainless steel lock washer producer since 2005.

DIN25201 Wedge Lock Washer, DIN6796 Conical Spring Washer, NFE25511 Conical Contact Lock Washer, SN70093 Toothed Contact Lock Washer, DIN9250 Double Side Knurl Lock Washer

蘇州瑞博機電有限公司 IATF16949:2016, ISO-9001:2015

AD page: 37

TAINAN CHIN CHANG ELECTRICAL CO., LTD.

We are a leading heat treatment furnace manufacturer in Taiwan. Our company has been established for more than 40 years. With the hard working for new developments, we modernize our facilities and management to enhance our position in this field.

Annealing Furnace/Quenching Furnace

台南振昌電機有限公司 ISO-9001

AD page: 8

TAIWAN SELF-LOCKING GROUP

From the smallest point creates largest world records. Since 1984, TSLG introduced pre-coating service on fastener, “become the world’s largest and most complete pre-coating functional treatment centre “is our greatest motivation. Thus, we always offer clients complete suggestion on self-locking fastener. We are more willing to assist customers to achieve their great dream and to play the role as the best supporter.

Screws And Nuts Locking And Sealing Process

台灣耐落螺絲工業股份有限公司 ISO-9001, ISO-14001, IATF16949

lilian@ssfwashers.com

www.ssfwashers.com

AD page: 6

jack@rbo-global.com

www.rbo-global.com/en/

tainanchinchang@tainanchinchang.com www.chin-chang.com.tw

tslg.kh@tslg.com.tw

www.tslg.com.tw

TIANJIN PINGYUAN HARDWARE CO., LTD.

Established in 1992,Tianjin Pingyuan Hardware Co.,Ltd. is located in the beautiful seaside city Tianjin, China. It's one of the key fastener and metal fabrication enterprises in Tianjin and north China. Our factory mainly manufactures all kinds of washers and metal stamping parts .We fabricate special washers and structural components for industrial buildings, ship building, railway, agriculture, automobile and home gardening.

Thru-hardened Washers, Metal Stamping Parts, Malleable Washers, CastIn-Plates, Metal Cleats, Load Indication Washers, Square Washers, Conical Springs, Wave Spring Washers, Circlips, Retaining Rings, Starlock Cup Washers

天津市平源五金制品有限公司 ISO-9001

AD page: 48

TZE PING PRECISION MACHINERY CO., LTD.

* Save the material cost

* Low mold expense

* Shorten the secondary processing time

* Products with infinite length are available

Open Die Machine/Cold Header/Multi-station Cold Forming Machine

智品精密機械有限公司 CE

AD page: 41

WEN YANG MACHINERY CO., LTD. (MING TANG MACHINERY)

Our company was founded in 1979, specialized in manufacturing all kinds of bolt parts formers. We insist on "quality first" and " continuous research and development" the two major policies, so our products was recognized by each customer.

Heading Machine/Open Die Machine/Parts Forming Machine/ Screw Washer Assembling Machine/Fastener Maker/Screw (Bolt) Formers/Filling Feeder/Thread Rolling Machine

玟暘機械有限公司 (旻暘機械有限公司) CE

WUXI ANSHIDA HARDWARE CO., LTD.

Established in 1993, Anshida Company is located in the hinterland of Yangtze River Delta-Wuxi. Through over ten years of rapid development, it has become one of the leading mandrel rivet and rivet nut exporter manufacturers in China, which covers an area of 26000 square meters and the annual output reaches 2.5 billion pieces. It continually introduces advanced production equipment and technology from Taiwan and Italy.

Blind Rivets/Blind Nuts/Rivet Nuts

無錫安士達五金有限公司

AD page: 58

AS-9100B, IATF16949, ISO-14001

pysales01@163.com

www.tjpyco.com

tpp.machine@msa.hinet.net

www.tze-ping.com

wenyang@mingtang.com.tw

www.mingtang.com.tw

service@anshida.com

www.anshida.com

BUYERS' GUIDE

YAMAWA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

Since the foundation of 1923, YAMAWA group has been studying and developing highest quality cutting tools (Taps, Dies, Center Drills and so on) to meet daily progressing technical needs. With great spirit, YAMAWA is committed to contribute to technical development of industrial field and society through the consistent supply of high quality and high performance products to be satisfied by our customers.

彌滿和亞洲股份有限公司 ISO-9001, ISO-14001

YANGJIANG QIANGXING STAINLESS STEEL CO., LTD.

Professional manufacturer of 304, 410, 316 stainless steel selfdrilling screws.

Round Head Phillips Self-drilling Screw, Wafer Washer, Countersunk Self-drilling Screw, Hexagon Socket Flat Head Selfdrilling Screw, Round Head Self-drilling Screw With Washer, Hexalobular Countersunk Self-drilling Screw, Hexagon Self-drilling Screw With Washer, Self-tapping Screw

陽江市強星不銹鋼有限公司

AD page: 55

YUSHUNG METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

Yushung is a leading manufacturer of copper based alloy bolts,screws,nuts,washers,etc. Yushung specializes in manufacturing brass fasteners,silicon bronze fasteners,CuNiSi,phosphor bronze fasteners,aluminium bronze,copper fasteners,monel fasteners, as well as copper based alloy fixings, etc.

Brass & Bronze Screws/Brass & Bronze Nuts Brass/Phosphor Bronze Washers/Copper Screws/Copper Bolts/Copper Nuts/ Copper Nails/Countersunk Screws/Hexagon Head Cap Screws/Lag Screws/Metric Screws/Wood Screws

宇聲金属制品有限公司

AD page: 137

ISO-9001

YUYAO AKF FASTENERS CO., LTD.

AKF FASTENERS CO.,LTD was founded in 2005 and it is the market leader in the supply of fasteners in China. We export the goods all over the world and we have been in the fasteners industry for more than 10 years, with lots of skilled works, advanced equipment, professional Q.C dept, efficient sales team, winning continued attention all the time.

Wood Screws/Self-drilling Screws/Self-Tapping Screws/Machine Screws/Metric Screws/Metal Screws/Furniture Screws/Floorboard Screws/High Strength Screws/Combined Screws/Bi-metal Screw/ Carbon Steel Screws

余姚奧可飛緊固件有限公司 ISO-9001, CE

int@yamawa.com

www.yamawa.com/jp

edward19951128@163.com

www.dgqxss.com

info@yushung.com

www.yushung.com

anchor@anchor888.com

www.akffastener.com

YUYAO ALFIRSTE HARDWARE CO., LTD.

YUYAO ALFIRSTE HARDWARE CO., LTD. is specialized in the production of screws and anchors. Such as Drywall screw, Hex head/Truss head/CSK head/Pan head self-tapping/drilling screw, Chipboard screw, Construction wood screw, Sleeve anchor, Metal frame anchor, and threaded rods.

Chipboard Screws/Concrete Screws/Drywall Screws/Roofing Screws/Wood Screws/Drop-in Anchors/Sleeve Anchors/Wedge Anchors/Thread Rod/Metal Frame Anchors/Self-Tapping Screws/ Self-drilling Screws

余姚法思德五金有限公司 CE, ETA

YUYAO JINGTAO HARDWARE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Yuyao Jingtao Hardware Co., Ltd., established in 1997, is a professional fastener manufacturer. The company has passed the ISO certification. The company is located in the east coastal area of China, with convenient transportation and superior geographical environment. Our company mainly produces a series of nylon expansion anchor, with a complete range of products, including nylon hammer fixing , nylon frame fixing, screw plug ,self-drill plaster board plug, knot expansion nylon ,ploy-toggles and so on.

余姚市精韜五金工業有限公司 ISO-9001:2015

AD page: 89

YUYAO NO.2 STANDARD FASTENER FACTORY / YUYAO BIAOER TRADING CO., LTD.

YUYAO BIAOER TRADING CO.,LTD. (YUYAO NO.2 STANDARD FASTENER FACTORY since 1973) was established in 1993, which is specialized in EYEBOLT and HINGE. Material: 4.6/8.8/10.9/12.9/A2-70/ A4-70; Standards:M6-M100.(1/4-2’). Surface is clean and smooth by complete cut ting after hot/cold forging. Customer: SIEMENS: ABB,GE...

Eye Bolts/Window Hinges/Door Hinges

余姚市高中壓標準件二廠/余姚標二貿易有限公司 ISO-9001

AD page: 99

ZDI SUPPLIES (HAIYAN) CO., LTD.

We consider ourselves as a solution provider of fasteners, especially when it comes to project supply. We can supply Chipboard Screws, Construction Screws (capacity: 1000 tons per month), Drywall Screws (capacity: 1000 tons per month), as well as other screws, bolts, nuts, threaded rods and stamped parts.

Chipboard Screws/Drywall Screws/Rollers/Chains/Self-drilling Screws/Construction Fasteners/Concrete Screws/Roofing Screws/ Wing Nuts/Thread Rods/Eye Screws/U Bolts/Drop-in Anchors

中達國際貿易（海鹽）有限公司 ISO-14001, OHSAS-18001, TÜV, CE, ISO-9001:2015

AD page: 44

760@chinanchor.com

www.chinanchor.com

carrie@jingtaohardware.com

www.chinajingtao.net

ruanlifei@biaoer.com

www.biaoer.com

alex@zhongdasteel.com

www.zdifasteners.com

ECHO FASTENERS

EF has 30 years’ experience of fastener production and sales, and our products are mainly exported to the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. Since 2014, EF began the production and sales of special parts, such as machining parts, stamping parts, casting parts, forging parts and other non-standard products. Material covers copper, aluminum, plastic, rubber, carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel etc., and the products.

Square Head Bolts/Eye Bolts/Spacers/Square Nuts/Flange Nuts/ Castle Nuts/Nylon Washers/Spring Washers/Plastic Washers

寧波愛扣緊固件有限公司 ISO-9001

HANDAN XIAOJUN FASTENER MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.

Xiaojun is a large private enterprise with high standards of fastener production and scientific research, whose industrial products are sold all over the world. We have thousand sets of cold-forming, tapping, drilling, punching machines and other CNC equipment. We focus on manufacturing high quality products and providing professional sales service, and we are also willing to cooperate with clients worldwide sincerely.

Self-Drilling Screws and Self-Tapping Screws. Material:C1022A,SS4 10,SS304,SS316. Surface:Zinc-Plated,HDG,Dacromat,Ruspert

邯鄲市曉軍緊固件製造有限公司 ISO9001

AD page: 133

NINGBO GEOBO HARDWARE CO., LTD.

NINGBO GEOBO HARDWARE. ,LTD. with professional produce and quality equipments under ISO9001 cert demand. ,has 10000 tons of annual capacity of screws,bolts. We have 20 years of experience and advantage of outdoor fasteners like for PV system,roofing system,facade system,floor system. We focus our strengths on supplying qualified fasteners to save your energy,to resist water and rust,to better your life.

Solar Fastener, Stainlees Steel Fasteners, Screws, Bolts , Nuts, Wood/Chipboard/Decking Screws, Epdm Washer

寧波卓邦金屬製品有限公司 ISO9001

AD page: 109

fastener@echofasteners.com

www.echofasteners.com

xj@xj-fastener.com

www.xj-fastener.com

info@cngeobo.com

geobofastener.com

Technological Progress of New Materials for Automotive Fasteners

汽車緊固件新材料技術進展

1. Status Quo of Automotive Fastener Manufacturing

China's automotive industry continues to develop rapidly, and the production and sales volume of automobiles has ranked among the top in the world. As the sales volume of automobiles continue to grow, people's concern about the automotive industry has changed from brand and scale to automotive quality performance, brand and scale at the same time; the accelerated development of fasteners for new energy cars has become a strategic area of contention. At present, the main connection methods for automobiles are welding, riveting, screwing and gluing, and so on, and screwing is still the primary connection method, so one of the quality performance of automobiles is determined by automotive fastener manufacturing technology [1].

Due to the lack of quality control in the manufacturing process of automotive fasteners in China and the lack of quality control awareness from the manufacturing staff, there are obvious risks and hidden dangers. Although the scale of China's automotive market is large, automotive fastener manufacturing enterprises are generally small in scale. The scale of manufacturing is small. Many enterprises have poor control over the R&D and manufacturing procedures of automotive fasteners. The low R&D capability and the inability to keep up with information on mass production cycle to meet the market demand in time lead to slow development of enterprises; there are still some pain points of new energy automotive fasteners that need high attention.

At present, China is yet to fully achieve domestic manufacturing of materials and critical automotive fasteners and is greatly affected by the trade war with the United States as well as the epidemic. In this background, it is a goal and challenge for the fastener manufacturing industry to push forward complete domestic manufacturing of critical automotive fasteners. The quality control of critical automotive fasteners covers the whole process from raw material production to final products, and the key procedures of manufacturing technology. This article combines collected enterprise information and accumulated experience, briefly describes the current status and development of cold heading steel wires for automobiles, non-annealed cold heading steel for fasteners, unquenched and untempered steel cold heading steel, as well as the possible problems faced by the development in this area, and makes an outlook on the prospect of new materials for the reference of the industry.

2 Development of Cold Headed Steel

The basic production process of the materials for critical high-strength automotive fasteners is: molten iron pretreatment (KR) → converter steelmaking (BOF) → LF → RH/VD → billet casting → billet opening → grinding → probing → grinding → rolling. The focus of steelmaking process control is impurity, segregation, grain size, composition uniformity and consistency, and oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen content, etc.; the focus of rolling process control is surface quality (to avoid scratches and cracks), decarburization layer, dimensional accuracy, oxide skin, head and tail trimming amount, microstructure (to avoid Weiss structure), cold upsetting performance, etc. [2]. Critical fasteners also have higher requirements for hydrogen-delayed fracture resistance. Therefore, the development of automotive fasteners benefits from the continuous innovation of cold heading steel technology and keeps pace with the times.

2.1 Cold Headed Steel Wire Rods for Automobiles

As the automotive enterprises’ demand for cold headed steel for products is getting higher and higher, the general technical level for the current national standards of cold headed steel GB/T 6478 and GB/T28906, can no longer meet the demanded quality of cold headed steel for automobiles. Furthermore, high-strength automotive fasteners have higher material requirements and higher costs than ordinary cold headed steel does [3]. Since there is no national or industry standard for this kind of special cold headed steel products in China, many enterprises have formulated their own enterprise standards, and the industry has aimed at improving technology on the basis of GB/T 6478. In 2019 Special Steel Enterprises Association published Group Standard T/SSEA0024-2019.

In 2021, the standard “Cold Headed steel and Hot Rolled Wire Rods for Automobiles" was published. It was undertaken by the Secretariat of Steel Wire Rod and Sub-Technical Committee in 2021, and was drafted by Jiangsu Yonggang Group Co. and has entered the stage of waiting for approval. The formulation of a cold headed wire rod standard for automotive fasteners came at the right time to upgrade the technology for cold headed wire rods. Since cold headed steel wire rods for automobiles have high requirements on composition, purity, cold upsetting and surface quality, they can meet the demand for raw materials for highstrength automotive fasteners in a targeted manner and improve the technical quality level of Chinese fasteners, mainly aiming to improve the technical requirements to meet the use of automotive fastener manufacturing plants and facilitate the use of users and standardization of fasteners.

2.2 Non-annealed Cold Headed Steel for Fasteners

For using medium carbon steel or medium carbon alloy steel to manufacture high strength fasteners of grade 8.8 and above, hot rolled steel should go through "one spheroidizing and one drawing", or "two times of spheroidizing and two times of drawing". The process of the latter in sequence is spheroidized annealing, drawing, spheroidized annealing, drawing and finally cold heading. The purpose of annealing and softening is to obtain the structure and mechanical properties required for subsequent processing (drawing, cold heading, etc.) [4]. The hardness decrease caused by softening can improve the service life of the cold heading die, so spheroidizing has a great influence on the pass rate of cold heading. However, this off-line spheroidized annealing and softening treatment is the most time-consuming and energy-consuming process in fastener manufacturing, with a cycle of about 18-32 hours. In light of this, a lot of research has been carried out in recent years at home and abroad to shorten the time for spheroidized annealing and softening or eliminate the need for annealing, so as to shorten the production cycle, reduce energy consumption and protect the environment, and at the same time improve labor productivity and reduce production cost.

Jiangsu Yongsteel Group has made great efforts in the research and development of non-annealed cold headed steel and has achieved stable sales, with the current annual sales volume of about 130,000 tons. In addition, Jiangsu Yongsteel has successfully taken the lead in establishing the "Non-annealed Cold Headed Steel Wire Rods for Automotive Fasteners" for CSAE, and has recently started to prepare the standard for approval.

For the non-annealed steel series, Jiangyin Xingcheng Special Steel Works has successfully developed 10B30 and SWRCH35K steel wires for fasteners, which can be drawn directly and cold-headed and skip annealing. Zenith Steel Group has been mass-producing non-annealed cold headed steel wire rods for many years, which can be safely applied to all kinds of grades 8 and 10.9 fasteners, covering all kinds of bolts and nuts with large deformation, and the grades include 10B21, 10B33, SWRCH35K, 51B20, SH27, etc. Among them, SCM435 and ML35CrMo have achieved the purpose of reducing the time for spheroidizing and annealing and saving energy.

The fatigue strength of grade 8.8 non-annealed materials 10B33, SWRCH35K, 51B20 and the fatigue strength of the tempered parts are compared, and it is discovered that the former has a stronger fatigue strength. This type of material can be easily applied to long bolts to shorten processing and increase production efficiency. Since the amount of several elements such as C, Mn and Si within nonannealed steels is as low as close to the lower limit, it increases the difficulty of tempering, results in unstable mechanical properties after heat treatment, increases costs, and creates inconsistency between manufacturing technique and product stability. Therefore, it is still necessary to increase investment in research.

Automotive bolts and parts

2.3 Non-quenched and Non-tempered Cold Headed Steel

The new era demands for higher performance of automobiles are getting higher and higher, especially with increased focus on safety, environmental protection and highly efficient energy saving. It is required that the steel itself should save energy, reduce manufacturing cost, and have better comprehensive mechanical performance. Non-quenched and non-tempered steel has the advantage of outstanding performance, high efficiency, energy saving, low cost, and environmental protection. It has been vigorously implemented both at home and abroad and is known as "green steel".

At present, the non-quenched and non-tempered steel for fastener manufacturing is basically cold strengthened, and has three major types of structures: ferrite + pearlite, ferrite + bainite and ferrite + martensite duplexes. The non-quenched nontempered fastener technology in China was started in 1980s and formed 3 grades which are MFT8, MFT9, MFT10 under GB/T3098.22-2009 "Mechanical Properties of Non-quenched and Non-tempered Steel Bolts, Screws, Studs with Fine Grains". MFT8 steel wires are produced by thermomechanical rolling with controlled temperature and cooling. The structure is ferrite and pearlite, the average grain size is grade 12 and the size is about 5μm. In addition to high strength and plasticity, it has excellent impact toughness and low temperature fatigue resistance, making it particularly suitable for the manufacture of grade 8.8 high-strength bolts. When using MFT8 steel wires to manufacture fasteners, the total compression rate during drawing is controlled at 22% to 35%, and the optimal total compression rate is about 30%, so that the pre-treatment annealing, quenching and tempering process can be omitted and the stabilization of the aging process combined with the surface treatment can be added, greatly reducing processing costs [5]. According to statistics, grade 8.8 bolts can reduce electricity consumption of heat treatment by about 270KW/h per ton, which can reduce consumption, save energy and reduce carbon emission, benefiting the country and the people.

In comparison, the development of applying of non-quenched and non-tempered steel to Chinese bolts is slower, but there is also a greater breakthrough. In recent years, the development of V-Nb and V-Nb-B-Ti alloy system grades are gaining attention and tests are being done extensively in related areas. At present, studies on cold strengthened, non-quenched, and non-tempered steels have shown that the addition of trace amounts of niobium can have a positive effect without any obvious disadvantages, but should be applied in the range of 0.020% to 0.035%; microalloying of V-Ti-Nb can significantly reduce the susceptibility to grain coarsening and can increase the amount of ferrite, especially the amount of intracrystalline ferrite, so as to have the best combined mechanical properties. This results in the best combined mechanical properties. For this reason, the addition of niobium to non-quenched and non-tempered steels, mainly for fasteners, is necessary.

3. Conclusion

Jiangyin Xingcheng Special Steel has successfully developed non-quenched and non-tempered steel for fasteners with high homogeneity grade 8.8 by adopting XDWP (water bath), with good tensile strength and shape (≤20Mpa), stable and reliable performance, which is in line with lowcarbon environmental protection and green manufacturing; Zenith Steel Group has successfully developed non-quenched and non-tempered cold headed wire rods, which have been applied in two strength grades, grade 8.8 and grade 9.8. At the same time, it is increasing the research and development of non-quenched and non-tempered cold headed steel of grade 10.9. In recent years, Henan Jiyuan Iron & Steel has developed SCN430 and SCN435 energy-saving non-quenched and non-tempered cold headed steel, which do not require heat treatment and have been used in Grade 8.8 products.

Pan-Asia Technical Automotive Center, Shanghai University and Nanjing Iron & Steel Group jointly developed grade 8.8 M6X840 and M6X930 long bolts for electric vehicle battery packs, which use non-quenched and non-tempered steel MLF20MnVNb and are based on the ferrite + bainite structure, having additional stabilization aging process, a flexural strength ratio of 1:0.8 and higher toughness. It can meet the requirement of straightness below 0.5mm/m, solve heat treatment deformation in slender bolts and is worth promoting. In practice, the application of non-quenched and non-tempered steel to high-strength fasteners still comes with the problem of worn dies.

Technological innovation improves the performance of steel used for manufacturing bolts, the running speed of automotive vehicles, reduces components weight, increases drive power, and improves braking performance. It is important to require the development of high-strength fasteners and advancement of processing technology to ensure the reliability. For the automotive fastener research and development, on the basis of new material development and perfection, it is necessary to develop structural design and manufacturing technology. Development of the whole vehicle and fasteners should be in sync, and fastener functions should be highly integrated with the whole vehicle. Only through continuous transformation and upgrade, steel and automotive fastener companies can join hands to win in the long term.

References

[1] Zhang Xianming, Thermal processing technology and its development for automotive fasteners [J], Metal Products, 2010, 36(2): 6-9

[2] Hui Weijun, Dong Han, Weng Yuqing, Steel high strength bolts [M], Beijing: Metallurgical Industry Press, 1999

[3] Zhang Xianming, Current status and development of cold headed steel in China [J], Metal Products, 2009,35(2):43-47

[4] Zhang Xianming, Annealing process of cold headed wires [J], Metal Products, 2012, 38(5): 43-45

[5] Shen Deshan and Zhang Xianming, Current status of production of fine grain non-quenched non-tempered steel fasteners [J], Metal Products, 2010, 35(6): 1-5

Article by Hsien-Ming Chang

Copyright owned by Fastener World