How Are Fasteners Manufactured? From Raw Material to Finished Parts

The fastener manufacturing process turns raw metal into components that hold assemblies together. For bolts, screws, and nuts, production typically includes material selection, forming, threading, heat treatment where required, surface finishing, and inspection.

However, not every fastener follows the same production route. A standard machine screw and a non-standard part made to a customer drawing may require different tooling, operations, and inspection procedures.

At YAMA Fastener Ltd., we supply standard and non-standard fasteners. Understanding how these products are made can help buyers prepare clearer specifications and select suitable parts for their applications.

Standard vs. Non-Standard Fasteners

Standard fasteners follow established specifications that define features such as dimensions, threads, and mechanical properties. When ordering, buyers should identify the applicable standard and any additional requirements.

Non-standard fasteners are produced to requirements that differ from an established standard or catalogue item. These may include a special head shape, unusual length, shoulder dimensions, or other application-specific features.

Consideration

Standard fasteners

Non-standard fasteners

Specification

Identified by the applicable standard and product requirements

Defined by an agreed drawing and specification

Design

Established dimensions and features

Features adapted to the application

Production planning

Depends on the product and supplier’s existing capabilities

May require additional engineering review or tooling

Ordering information

Standard, size, material, finish, and quantity

Drawing revision, tolerances, material, finish, and quantity

Explore YAMA’s standard screws and special and customized fasteners.

1. Reviewing the Specification

Before production begins, the manufacturer needs a clear definition of the finished part.

For standard fasteners, this means confirming the standard designation, dimensions, material, strength requirements, and finish.

For non-standard fasteners, an engineering drawing should identify critical dimensions, tolerances, threads, and any special features. The supplier can then assess the manufacturing route and whether dedicated tooling or additional machining is needed.

Resolving these details before production helps prevent misunderstandings during manufacturing and inspection.

2. Selecting the Raw Material

Material selection affects strength, corrosion resistance, and suitability for the operating environment.

Common fastener materials include carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and brass. The correct choice depends on the application and the specified mechanical and environmental requirements.

Materials should not be treated as interchangeable. For example, a stainless steel fastener is not automatically an equivalent replacement for a high-strength alloy steel bolt. Bolt Depot’s material guide explains these differences.

3. Forming the Fastener

Manufacturers commonly use cold forming, hot forging, or machining to create the fastener’s shape.

Cold Forming

Cold forming shapes metal under pressure using dies. For many bolts and screws, wire is cut into blanks before forming operations create the head and shank.

Hot Forging

Hot forging shapes metal after heating it. This route may be suitable for larger components or parts with particular forming requirements.

Machining

Machining removes material through operations such as turning, milling, and drilling. It can create special geometries or finish features that require additional dimensional control.

A non-standard fastener does not necessarily need to be machined from solid material. Its production route depends on the design, material, quantity, and available equipment. These three manufacturing approaches are described in Wilson-Garner’s bolt production guide.

4. Creating the Threads

Threads allow bolts and screws to engage with a nut or a matching threaded hole.

Two common methods for producing external threads are:

Thread rolling: Dies press against the blank and displace material into the thread profile.

Thread cutting: A cutting tool removes material to create the threads.

Threading may take place before or after heat treatment, depending on the specification. Nord-Lock’s manufacturing overview explains how the sequence can vary.

Nuts require internal threads. Tapping is one production method, as illustrated in ARP’s manufacturing process.

5. Heat Treatment Where Required

Heat treatment is used when necessary to achieve specified mechanical properties.

For suitable steel grades, hardening and tempering can help achieve the required strength and toughness. The process must match the material and fastener specification.

Manufacturers may also arrange threading and heat treatment differently. ARP, for example, describes rolling threads after heat treatment for its performance fasteners. This is one reason buyers should specify performance requirements rather than assume every fastener follows an identical production sequence. Source: ARP

6. Surface Treatment and Finishing

Surface treatment is selected to suit the application. Zinc plating, for example, is commonly used to improve corrosion resistance on steel fasteners. Source: Nord-Lock

When requesting a quotation, identify the required coating or finish instead of specifying colour alone. Include any coating performance or inspection requirements in the purchase specification.

YAMA’s product range includes several finishing options. See our surface treatment page and contact us to discuss the requirements for your part.

7. Quality Inspection

Inspection checks whether the finished fasteners meet the agreed requirements.

Before placing an order, buyers should confirm which inspections and records are needed. Depending on the specification, these may cover:

Dimensions and tolerances.

Thread conformity.

Mechanical properties.

Surface finish.

Material documentation.

Batch identification and traceability.

For non-standard fasteners, clearly identifying critical features on the drawing helps establish what must be verified before shipment.

8. Packaging and Delivery

Packaging requirements should also form part of the order.

Specify quantities per package, labelling, part numbers, and any documentation that must accompany the shipment. For custom parts, including the drawing revision in the agreed identification requirements can help receiving teams distinguish between versions.

How to Request a Fastener Quotation

A clear enquiry makes it easier for a supplier to assess your requirements.

For standard fasteners, provide the applicable standard, dimensions, material or property class, finish, and quantity.

For non-standard fasteners, also include:

A drawing with its revision number.

Critical dimensions and tolerances.

Thread specifications.

Required testing and documentation.

Expected order quantity and repeat demand.

Requested delivery date.

If some details are undecided, explain the application and identify what still needs to be confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are standard and non-standard fasteners made using different equipment?

Not necessarily. They may use similar forming, threading, and finishing equipment. Custom designs can require different tooling, additional operations, or specific inspection arrangements.

Are all fasteners heat treated?

No. Heat-treatment requirements depend on the material, fastener type, and specified mechanical properties.

What is the difference between thread rolling and thread cutting?

Thread rolling displaces metal into a thread shape. Thread cutting removes metal to form the thread.

Can non-standard fasteners be cold formed?

Yes, when their design, material, and production requirements are suitable. “Non-standard” describes the part’s specification, not a single manufacturing method.

Discuss Your Fastener Requirements with YAMA

YAMA Fastener Ltd., based in Taiwan, supplies standard and non-standard fasteners for a range of applications.

Whether you need an established product or a part made to your drawing, send us your specifications, quantity, and delivery requirements.

Contact YAMA to discuss your project and request a quotation.

 

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