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Column
February 27th, 2026

Screw technology with vibration-proofing and soundproofing effects improves the added value of products: A product’s operational noise and the vibrations it produces during use are critical factors that significantly impact the user experience. Suppressing vibration and noise is an unavoidable challenge in defining a product’s value, especially for ensuring the quiet operation of home appliances, the ride comfort of automobiles, and the stable performance of precision equipment. Standard screws are specialized for “fastening” parts, but they cannot completely suppress the micro-vibrations generated by operating machinery. This often leads to noise, loosening of parts, and ultimately, a shortened product lifespan. This article focuses on the technology of “anti-vibration and sound-damping screws,” which solves these issues and provides products with the added value of “quietness” and “high durability.” We will provide a comprehensive explanation—from their mechanisms and specific types to their implementation effects and use cases in the Vietnamese manufacturing industry—to offer practical knowledge that will contribute to your company’s product development and quality improvement. In product development, vibration and noise are not merely matters of comfort; they are business challenges directly linked to quality, safety, and brand image. Modern products, with their increasing performance and miniaturization, tend to have built-in motors and fans with higher rotation speeds. For example, it is not uncommon for a typical server cooling fan to exceed 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), which is a major cause of housing vibration and noise. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there were approximately 300 million industrial motors in operation globally as of 2022, and the vibration and noise emitted from this equipment cause problems such as the deterioration of the working environment and noise pollution in surrounding areas. In fact, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) states that about 100 million people in Europe are exposed to traffic noise exceeding 55 decibels, and noise is recognized as an environmental factor that causes health problems. Unwanted noise from a product not only reduces customer satisfaction but also contributes to an increased failure rate of the equipment. One study suggests that vibration is responsible for about 30% of mechanical equipment failures. Regulations regarding product noise levels are becoming stricter worldwide. The European Union (EU), for example, enforces the “Outdoor Noise Directive (2000/14/EC),” which sets maximum noise levels for equipment used outdoors, covering 57 types of equipment, including lawnmowers and generators. In Japan, the “Noise Regulation Act” imposes strict standards on specific factories and construction sites. Within the international quality management standard ...

Column
February 20th, 2026

High-Precision Screw Technology Supporting the Evolution of High-End Products: Latest Developments and Future Outlook: From smartphones and medical equipment to the aerospace industry, the evolution of modern high-end products is supported by minuscule components invisible to our eyes: “high-precision screws.” As the demand for smaller, lighter, and higher-performance products grows daily, the level of technology required for the fasteners that hold them together has become unprecedentedly advanced and complex.We are in an era where these components must go beyond the simple function of “fastening,” demanding reliability in extreme environments, nano-level precision, and even smart functions that optimize the entire manufacturing process. This article will thoroughly explain the latest trends in high-precision screw technology, which forms the foundation of high-end products, categorized into five key trends. Furthermore, it will present concrete solutions for how to stably procure these state-of-the-art parts in Vietnam, a country of increasing importance as a global manufacturing hub, to maintain a competitive edge. The growing demand for high-precision screws is rooted in three major technological and structural challenges facing modern manufacturing. These are interconnected and make the requirements for fasteners even more stringent. Smartphones are approximately 20% thinner compared to models from a decade ago, and the internal component density of wearable devices is reaching its limits. For example, inside a smartwatch, dozens of micro screws of M1.0 (1mm in diameter) or smaller are used, and the shape of their heads must be optimized down to 0.1mm increments. Fastening in such minimal spaces presents the conflicting challenge of minimizing the screw’s own volume and weight while securing the required clamping force. This is a field that demands advanced knowledge in material mechanics, precision machining technology, and fastening theory. Inside an aircraft’s jet engine, bolts securing turbine blades are exposed to temperatures exceeding 1,000°C and centrifugal forces reaching tens of thousands of G’s. Fasteners used in the pressure hulls of deep-sea exploration vehicles must withstand pressures of about 100 MPa (megapascals) at a depth of 10,000 meters—equivalent to about 1 ton of pressure per square centimeter. Furthermore, within the vacuum chambers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, outgassing from the screws themselves can have a fatal impact on product yields, making materials and surface treatments of extremely high cleanliness essential. In these environments, the slightest loosening or failure can lead directly to a system-wide breakdown and even catastrophic accidents involving human lives, demanding absolute reliability from fasteners. The global manufacturing supply chain has become more complex, and cross-border parts procurement is now commonplace. According ...

Column
February 13th, 2026

Cooperation between screws and automation equipment opens up the future of manufacturing: In manufacturing, screw fastening is a fundamental yet critical process that significantly impacts quality and productivity. Traditionally, it has heavily relied on operator skill, leading to issues like human variation and workload. Recently, the integration of “automation equipment” and “screw fastening technology” has gained attention as a new solution to address labor shortages and quality assurance demands. This article explains everything from the basics of screw fastening automation to the latest technological trends and practical applications in manufacturing sites, including in Vietnam. The intended readers are production engineers, procurement personnel, and quality control staff. Screw fastening is a foundational process common to all manufactured products. Screws are essential for securely fixing components in various industries, including electronics, automobiles, home appliances, and building materials, and their quality directly links to the reliability of the final product. However, traditional manual work has presented challenges such as variations in tightening torque due to operator skill, limitations in work efficiency, and fatigue from long hours. In recent years, the manufacturing industry has also been pressured to balance labor shortages with increased productivity. In particular, at global bases in Asia, rising labor costs have made labor-saving measures an urgent priority. Furthermore, from a quality assurance perspective, including environmental considerations and traceability, the need for automation equipment that can numerically manage and record screw fastening data is growing. Against this backdrop, screw fastening automation is attracting attention as a solution that simultaneously achieves “cost reduction,” “quality stability,” and “reduction of operator workload.” It is not just about automating manual tasks but is a fundamental technology that directly leads to the streamlining of the entire production line and the enhancement of international competitiveness. The technology for automated screw fastening equipment has evolved significantly in recent years. There are three main types of devices: “handheld,” “automatic,” and “robotic,” each with its own characteristics and implementation benefits. Handheld types automate screw feeding and torque control while being operated by a worker, balancing work efficiency with quality. Automatic types are suitable for mass production as they efficiently fasten screws to workpieces fixed in a jig. Robotic types use cameras and sensors to automatically recognize screw locations, allowing for flexible process handling. Therefore, their implementation is advancing in environments that require high-mix, low-volume production and high precision. Furthermore, the essential torque management for screw fastening has shifted from relying on human feel to numerical control by sensors. This enables precise management ...

Column
February 13th, 2026

Possibility of lightweight screws to save energy at manufacturing sites: In the manufacturing industry, “energy saving” has become an unavoidable and crucial challenge. With rising electricity and fuel costs, and stricter environmental regulations, every manufacturing site is seeking ways to reduce energy consumption while maintaining production efficiency. One effective approach is to lighten parts. Among these, the seemingly minor task of making the screws used throughout machinery and equipment lighter can yield significant results. This article provides a systematic explanation of how lightweight screws contribute to energy saving, from basic principles to practical applications. It is specifically aimed at design engineers, procurement managers, and quality control staff, and will introduce the benefits and key considerations for implementing lightweight screws in an easy-to-understand manner. In recent years, interest in lightweighting has increased across the entire manufacturing industry. This is driven by strong societal demands for energy conservation and environmental responsibility. For example, in the automotive industry, the tightening of fuel economy standards has made it critical to reduce vehicle weight by even one kilogram, and the lightweighting of small parts like bolts and nuts contributes significantly to improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, in the aerospace and space industries, where lightweighting is directly linked to flight performance and fuel efficiency, lightweight screws made from materials like titanium and aluminum are being actively adopted. Similarly, in the fields of robotics and medical equipment, lightweight parts contribute to improved operational efficiency and maneuverability. In addition, manufacturing in emerging economies like Vietnam faces the challenge of balancing compliance with international environmental standards and cost competitiveness. The adoption of lightweight screws can reduce material costs and improve transportation efficiency, making it an effective way for local companies to strengthen their competitiveness. Lightweight screws are fasteners that significantly reduce the weight of a joint by using materials with a lower specific gravity compared to conventional steel screws. The most common materials are aluminum, titanium, and magnesium. Aluminum, with a specific gravity of 2.7, is extremely light—about one-third that of iron (7.8)—and is widely used, particularly in the automotive and mobility sectors. Titanium is slightly heavier than aluminum but has excellent strength and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for aerospace and medical equipment. Magnesium is even lighter and has excellent workability, and is a material with great potential for future application. The effects of lightweight screws are not limited to mass reduction. Their low specific gravity directly leads to improved fuel efficiency and reduced energy consumption during equipment operation. ...

Column
February 06th, 2026

Innovation examples of fastening technology useful for high-speed production lines: In high-speed production lines, even small differences in work efficiency can directly impact overall production yield and delivery times. Among these, “fastening technology,” which joins components together, is a critical factor for ensuring both quality and productivity. This article is intended primarily for site managers and procurement/quality assurance personnel in manufacturing industries, such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace, who operate high-speed production. The goal is to introduce the latest trends and innovative examples in fastening technology, providing insights for on-site improvement and implementation. Traditional bolt and nut fastening methods are susceptible to variations in torque and fastening failures, as they depend heavily on the skill of the operator and the condition of the tools. Furthermore, the time required to tighten each fastener often creates a bottleneck that slows down the entire production line. Today’s manufacturing environment is increasingly dominated by high-mix, low-volume production, making line change flexibility and quick turnaround times essential. This is compounded by complex challenges like the need for labor savings due to workforce shortages, heightened societal demands for quality assurance, and the optimization of cost and lead time in global supply chains that include overseas bases. This backdrop has created a demand for new fastening technologies that are fast, highly accurate, and can be used consistently by anyone. The latest fastening technologies for high-speed production lines can be broadly categorized into three innovative approaches. First is “high-speed fastening screws.” These include friction, preset, and posi-lock types, each effective in reducing cycle time and torque variation. For example, a preset type automatically completes fastening once a predetermined torque is reached, ensuring consistent quality regardless of the operator’s skill level. Next is the “servo press mechanism + CFRTP rivet.” By using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic (CFRTP) as the rivet material, this technology achieves a lighter yet stronger joint than conventional methods. Combining a servo press with high-speed heating technology, it can form a rivet in as little as 7 seconds. This production system is also space-efficient and can be integrated with robots. Finally, “IoT and AI-based torque and history management” is also crucial. By utilizing current-controlled drivers and torque sensors, fastening status can be monitored in real-time, preventing defects and ensuring traceability. Combining this with AI analysis can automatically determine optimal fastening conditions for each process, simultaneously improving productivity and quality. In the automotive industry, switching from traditional bolts and nuts to high-speed fastening screws has drastically reduced ...

Column
January 23rd, 2026

Fasteners for Extreme Environments: Advances in Heat-Resistant and Corrosion-Resistant Technologies: This article provides practical insights for engineers on selecting screws that deliver reliability in harsh environments, such as those found in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, automobiles, and food processing facilities. It offers an overview of risks and countermeasures in high-temperature, chemical, saltwater, and vacuum environments, covering materials, surface treatments, standards, and torque management. Focusing on “screw heat resistance” and “screw corrosion resistance,” it also presents key points for optimizing procurement in Vietnam. Furthermore, it concisely explains operational aspects such as galling prevention, calibration traceability, and fastening data management using IoT. The selection of heat and corrosion-resistant screws is organized around three points: ① operating temperature and atmosphere (oxidizing, reducing, vacuum, chemical), ② mechanical load (repeated, vibrational, impact), ③ material and surface condition. The basic approach is to first define the temperature range and the media it will be exposed to, and then clarify the required axial force and frequency of disassembly. In the basic formula T = K・F・d (where K is the nut factor), K varies with lubrication, coating, surface roughness, and temperature. At high temperatures, axial force tends to decrease due to thermal expansion differences and creep, compounded by lubrication degradation. Effective countermeasures include using low-friction coatings (PTFE/DLC, etc.), high-temperature compatible grease, employing the angle-control method, and planning for re-tightening after thermal cycles. Corrosion mainly appears as pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking (especially in Cl⁻ environments). – In a vacuum, challenges include surface contamination and virtual leaks. -With chemicals, material leaching and hydrogen embrittlement are issues. – In seawater, the influence of chlorides is a major concern. In addition to selecting the right materials (316L/duplex/Ni-based/Ti/PEEK), risks can be mitigated through passivation, electropolishing, and proper sealing and gas vent design. Localized Optimization: A trend of “mixed optimization” is advancing, using Ni-based alloys for high-temperature parts, duplex stainless steel or Ti for hot water and seawater areas, and 316L for general parts. Galling Suppression: The risk of seizure is reduced by using low-friction coatings like DLC/CrN and PTFE, combined with appropriate tightening speeds and lubrication. Standardization of Vacuum Compatibility: Pump-down time is shortened and re-contamination is prevented by using vented screws, electropolishing, and precision cleaning. Traceable Operations: Smart torque wrenches are combined with calibration management to utilize fastening data for quality audits. Vietnam’s environment is conducive to optimizing specifications through in-process changes for materials, surface treatments, and cleaning/packaging, responding to demands for high-mix, low-volume production. It is possible to propose ...

Column
January 16th, 2026

The latest screw technology trends adopted by Vietnamese manufacturing industry: In Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, advancements in electrification, high functionality, and shorter delivery times are raising the standards for corrosion resistance, anti-loosening, and traceability required of screws (fasteners). This article provides a practical overview of the key points of the latest screw technology in Vietnam. It explains surface treatment and hydrogen embrittlement countermeasures, transverse vibration testing (Junker-type), torque and angle management with IoT, thread-forming screws, and preventive measures based on IATF/ISO, complete with implementation procedures and checklists. This is intended for personnel in charge of quality, production engineering, and procurement. The goal is to achieve results verification, standardization, and mass production deployment within 90 days. When mass-producing or procuring screws in Vietnam, it is crucial to distinguish between standards (the language of drawings) and conformity (the language of laws and certifications). This section outlines how to write specifications on drawings, key points for selecting environmentally friendly surface treatments, practical measures to avoid hydrogen embrittlement, and the essentials of local conformity procedures. TCVN (Vietnam Standards) are voluntary, while QCVN (National Technical Regulations) are mandatory. For screw design and manufacturing, descriptions based on ISO/JIS are mainstream from the perspective of international harmonization. Specifying the following three points on drawings can reduce differences in interpretation among suppliers: Size/Grade: e.g., M6×1-8g, Property Class 8.8 (ISO 898-1) Surface Treatment: e.g., Zn-Ni 8-12 µm, finish color, target friction coefficient Test Method: e.g., Friction/axial force correlation ISO 16047, plating requirements ISO 4042 Practical Tip: Use both English and Vietnamese on drawings and purchasing specifications, and operate them as a set with control charts (incoming inspection, plating lot traceability). Audits will check the three-way link of “Standard → Test → Record.” For projects requiring RoHS/ELV compliance, hexavalent chromium-free Zn-Ni and zinc flake (non-electrolytic) are leading candidates. Since electrolytic plating increases the risk of hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength materials, the following controls are essential: Optimization of Pre-treatment: Minimize acid pickling time and concentration to suppress hydrogen absorption. Baking: Perform dehydrogenation treatment after plating, typically at 190 ± 10 °C for 2-4 hours. Hardness Threshold Management: Implement stricter controls for high-strength materials (目安 HV≧320 equivalent). Agreement on Friction Coefficient: Actually measure the friction coefficient μ (ISO 16047) before mass production, depending on the coating agent and film. Specification Example (Excerpt): Surface Treatment: Zn-Ni 10 µm, Trivalent Chromate Finish / Baking: 190 °C × 3 h / Target Friction Coefficient: 0.12-0.18 / Testing: Conforms to ISO 4042, ISO 16047 Non-electrolytic zinc flake ...

Column
January 09th, 2026

What are recyclable screw materials that contribute to a circular economy?: Achieving carbon neutrality and transitioning to a circular economy begins with the design and operation of individual components. Screws (bolts, nuts, machine screws) are numerous and are typical components that often become “high-mix, low-volume” or “mixed materials” on-site. This article explains how to put “screw recycling” into practice, from material selection to sorting/recovery and standards/certification, assuming implementation at a manufacturing site in Vietnam. This is intended for personnel in purchasing, production engineering, quality assurance, and environment (sustainability) departments. Based on support case studies and standardization templates from Ohta VIETNAM, we will emphasize the following: Recycling suitability by material (iron, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, plastic) and the impact of surface treatments Sorting and recovery flow (magnetic/eddy current) and on-site 5S, lot management Use cases for standards and certification: ISO 3506, EN 10204 3.1, ISO 14021/14044 Achieving both cost reduction and CO₂ reduction in Vietnam procurement, and utilizing Ohta Screw Solutions By the time you finish reading, you will have gained practical know-how that you can immediately apply on-site, from preventing the devaluation of scrap due to mixed materials to criteria for reusability and rules for notation in drawings and BOMs. Although small, screws come in large quantities and varieties, making them components that easily become “high-mix, low-volume” or “mixed materials” on-site. To establish a circular design, it is crucial to simultaneously design and standardize four points: ① ease of material recycling, ② ease of sorting based on the presence of surface treatments or inserts, ③ material and lot traceability, and ④ on-site recovery operations (sorting, storage, handover). 30-Second Recovery Flow (Standard Proposal) Clearly specify the material (e.g., A2-70, SUS304, C3604, A5052) and surface treatment in drawings and BOMs. Permanently place material-specific boxes (Iron / Stainless / Brass / Aluminum / Mixed) at the end of the production line. Use magnetic separation followed by eddy current separation (ECS) to sort non-ferrous metals; drain liquids and oils beforehand. Record recovery weight, purity, and handover destination with a lot QR code, and credit the scrap value back to the cost price. Key Points by Material (Summary) Iron/Carbon Steel: Can be quickly sorted in the first stage with magnetic separation. An established recycling route through EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) exists. Plating and oils can be washed off to improve yield. Aluminum: The energy consumed during recycling is low, offering significant CO₂ reduction effects. Can be efficiently sorted with ECS. Stainless Steel (A2/A4, etc.): Markings ...

Column
January 05th, 2026

Latest surface treatment technology that dramatically improves durability: In manufacturing sites across Asia, including Vietnam, there is a simultaneous demand for ensuring the corrosion resistance of screws and fastening parts, stabilizing torque, and complying with RoHS/REACH regulations. Rust caused by salt damage or chemical cleaning, and variations in friction coefficients during mass production, can lead to defects and reduced product lifespan. This article compares the latest surface treatment technologies—such as the steam process, zinc-flake coating systems, Zn-Ni plating, electro-galvanizing/hot-dip galvanizing, passivation, and trivalent chromium systems. It also presents selection criteria based on environment and application, along with key points for launching mass production. Surface treatment is a critical process that provides screws and fastening parts with rust prevention, wear resistance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. The required performance varies greatly depending on the operating environment. Key degradation factors include salt damage in coastal areas, chemical corrosion in chemical plants, UV rays and humidity in long-term outdoor use, and oxidation in high-temperature environments. Selecting the appropriate treatment mitigates these risks, enhancing lifespan and reliability. Furthermore, the tightening torque T is expressed as T ≈ K·F·d, where the stabilization of the friction coefficient dictates the reproducibility of the axial force. Unstable friction increases the risk of improper fastening or damage from over-tightening. Therefore, managing not only the type of treatment but also its friction characteristics is essential. From a standards and regulatory perspective, surface treatment specifications by JIS and ISO, corrosion resistance evaluation tests (e.g., ISO 9227), and environmental regulations like the RoHS Directive and REACH regulations serve as the basis for selection and procurement. Designing specifications based on these factors is directly linked to ensuring legal compliance and competitiveness in the global market. Sources: ISO 4042:2022, ISO 10683:2018, ISO 9227:2017, RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (Consolidated version 2025-01-01), REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 This is a new technology that forms a boehmite film on the surface of aluminum alloys by reacting it with water vapor. The film thickness is approximately 3µm, and it demonstrates corrosion resistance comparable to anodizing, even on ADC12 and A7xxx series alloys. The equipment can handle rotary conveyance or bulk processing, and quality control is possible through non-destructive film thickness measurement. As it uses no chemical solutions and has a low wastewater load, it is also suitable for RoHS/REACH compliance. However, design considerations are necessary to prevent uneven reactions on complex shapes or in sealed parts. This water-based coating is free of hexavalent chromium and demonstrates corrosion resistance ...

Column
December 26th, 2025

Next-generation screw technology supporting manufacturing: IoT compatibility possibilities: In addition to the trifecta of demands for high quality, short delivery times, and low costs, manufacturing sites are facing increasingly apparent challenges such as labor shortages and the difficulty of skill succession. Fastening components, though small, are the “final quality gate” that influences equipment operating rates and yield. In recent years, evolution has been accelerating in three main areas: (1) higher-functioning ball screws that elevate machining accuracy, (2) special-shaped screws that reduce workload and errors (3) IoT smart bolts that visualize fastening status. When combined with torque management (the practice of reproducing a specified tightening force) and traceability (history tracking), these technologies form a quality assurance platform that spans from design and procurement to manufacturing and maintenance. This article provides a practical explanation of the key points of each technology, tips for selection and implementation, and an implementation strategy for the Vietnamese manufacturing industry. NSK’s next-generation ball screws for high-precision machine tools suppress the friction fluctuations that tend to occur when the feed axis reverses its direction of motion, reducing the quadrant glitches that are a problem in machine tools. This stabilizes positioning during contouring corners and at minute pitches, enabling high-quality surface finishing. A practical advantage is that they are designed to be compatible for installation on existing machines, making it easy to achieve phased performance improvements through retrofitting. During motion reversal, the contact state between the balls and the screw groove changes temporarily, and errors are amplified by a combination of friction, backlash, and control system delays. If friction fluctuations can be smoothed out, the compensation load on the control system is reduced, which directly leads to stabilization of contouring accuracy and surface roughness (Ra). Ballbar measurement: Visualize quadrant glitches through deviations in circular motion to quantify the difference before and after retrofitting. Machined surface quality: Evaluate using Ra/Rz values and waviness indicators for mirror finishes and fine groove machining. Energy: Reduced friction lowers the power consumption of the spindle and feed drives, and by suppressing heat generation, thermal displacement is also reduced. Effective for processes requiring µm-order positioning, such as in molds, semiconductors, and medical parts. For existing machines, the effects can be maximized by simultaneously planning for feed screw compatibility and the re-tuning of control parameters (gain/feed-forward compensation). Accurate’s Totsupra Screw®, with its unique design featuring a 0° bit tip angle, suppresses the upward component of force (bit lift) that occurs during rotation, ...