In the manufacturing field, bolts and nuts are critical fastening components that influence product quality and safety. However, due to the wide variety of types and standards, many people may feel uncertain about their selection and use.

This article provides a clear explanation of the basics of bolts and nuts for those working in manufacturing. From the differences between bolts and nuts, to types, standards, fastening techniques, and procurement strategies, it comprehensively covers practical information. By reading this article, you will be able to choose the right bolts and nuts, ensuring a safe and efficient manufacturing environment.

A bolt is a male-threaded fastener used to securely join two components. The threads are cut on the outside and are used in combination with a nut. Hex bolts are commonly used in construction and machinery assembly, while socket head bolts are useful for working in tight spaces. Eye bolts are used for lifting objects, and wing bolts can be tightened by hand, making them suitable for frequent removal. When selecting a bolt, consider strength, size, material, and surface treatments to prevent rust.

A nut is a female-threaded component that is used in combination with a bolt to fasten parts. Threads are cut on the inside. Hex nuts are the most common, while cap nuts cover the end of a bolt to improve safety. Wing nuts are easy to tighten by hand, and spring nuts are excellent for preventing loosening. When selecting a nut, be sure to check compatibility with the bolt, fastening strength, and anti-loosening features.

Proper bolt and nut combinations are essential to ensure fastening strength, safety, and durability. If the thread diameter, pitch, or material do not match, it can lead to loosening or breakage. Especially in environments with vibration or heavy loads, proper matching and fastening control are critical.

JIS standards are national standards aimed at improving the quality and standardization of industrial products in Japan. In the case of bolts and nuts, detailed specifications exist for dimensions, materials, and strength, and they are widely used within Japan. Representative examples include JIS B 1180 for hex bolts and JIS B 1181 for hex nuts. In recent years, new JIS standards conforming to ISO have also been introduced to align with international standards.

ISO standards are international standards defined by the International Organization for Standardization and are widely adopted in global trade. The primary difference from JIS standards lies in thread design. ISO threads have higher resistance to shear failure, enabling safer fastening. Knowledge of ISO standards is essential when sourcing parts internationally or dealing with overseas companies.

In the manufacturing industry, fastening technology has advanced with the introduction of smart fastening systems that enable real-time monitoring and data collection of fastening status, thus enhancing quality control. Additionally, the development of 3D printing technology allows for the production of fastening components with complex shapes that were previously difficult to manufacture, increasing design flexibility. These technological innovations promote automation in manufacturing processes, contribute to resolving labor shortages, and improve production efficiency.

Proper torque management in fastening operations is essential to ensure product safety and quality. If the torque is insufficient, bolts and nuts may loosen, leading to malfunction or accidents. Conversely, excessive torque can damage the fastening components or materials. Using a torque wrench to precisely manage the tightening torque value specified at the design stage helps avoid these issues and enhances product reliability.

There are various types of screws depending on their shape and application. Metric screws are dimensioned in millimeters and widely used in fastening general mechanical components. Inch screws are used primarily in the U.S. and dimensioned in inches. Pipe screws are used to connect pipes for transporting gas or liquid and require airtightness. Wood screws are specially designed to fasten wooden materials, and tapping screws form threads in metals or plastics during tightening. Selecting the right screw ensures product quality and safety.

Screws are primarily manufactured using cold heading, thread rolling, and cutting methods. Cold heading involves pressing metal wire at room or warm temperature and is suitable for mass production at low cost. Thread rolling forms threads using rolling dies, resulting in strong and precise screws. Cutting involves machining metal rods with a lathe and is ideal for producing complex shapes or screws made from special materials. Choosing the right manufacturing method depends on application, cost, and required precision.

In today’s globalized world, procurement strategies for bolts and nuts have diversified. Utilizing ISO-compliant products facilitates international sourcing from overseas manufacturers and is expected to reduce costs. The internet allows for comparison of various products and fast procurement of the required quantity at the necessary time. Especially, using websites that offer same-day shipping helps respond to urgent needs.

To reduce the cost and improve efficiency of bolts and nuts, selecting the right standard and material is essential. By choosing the optimal product for the application, excessive quality and functionality can be avoided, helping control costs. Bulk purchases and long-term contracts are also effective for price negotiations. Building good relationships with suppliers is important for ensuring stable supply and cost reduction.

Optimizing the supply chain for fastening components is critical to enhancing competitiveness in the manufacturing industry. By standardizing components and introducing automation technologies, inventory management can be streamlined and lead times shortened. Establishing partnerships with reliable suppliers ensures stable supply and quality. Reviewing the entire supply chain and eliminating waste can achieve both cost savings and operational efficiency.

Bolts and nuts are crucial fastening components that significantly impact product quality and safety in manufacturing. By selecting the appropriate bolts and nuts and managing fastening correctly, reliability can be improved and accidents or failures can be prevented.

In practice, it is essential to fully understand the fundamentals of bolts and nuts, and choose appropriate types and standards according to their applications. During fastening, thorough torque management and periodic inspections and maintenance are necessary to prevent loosening or damage. For procurement, it is also important to consider cost reduction and optimize the supply chain while building strong relationships with reliable suppliers.

Conclusion

For inquiries regarding samples or materials, please respond to this email or contact our sales representative!

At Ohta Vietnam, we not only provide ready-made products such as screws and bolts, but also support activities in the manufacturing field such as cutting, inspection, assembly, packaging…
Our equipment list is here

As a “specialized support” for the manufacturing industry in Asia. If you have any related questions, feel free to contact Ohta Vietnam for detailed support!
URL: https://ohtavn.com/en/contact/