Glossary Manufacture of screws

Screws are made from stainless steel, titanium, copper alloys or nickel-based materials such as ^Hastelloy® or ^Inconel® and undergo a complex manufacturing process consisting of several steps.

Steps for the production of screws

1. Material selection: First, the appropriate material is selected, depending on the use of the screw. Stainless steel screws are corrosion resistant and are well suited for use in humid environments or in applications where they need to last longer. Steel screws are generally less expensive and are well suited for applications where they need to be replaced.
2. Forging: Forging is the process in which the metal is brought into the desired shape under high pressure and temperature. In this step, the metal is cut to the correct size to produce the desired screw size. This is done either by hot or cold forming, depending on the type of screw.
3. Head formation: The screw head is placed on a lathe and turned to the desired shape. There are different types of screw heads, including flat head, countersunk head, pan head, hexagon head and others.
4. Shank cutting: The shank of the screw is then cut to the correct length.
5. Thread cutting: Tapping is the process by which the thread is cut into the shank of the screw. This is done either by rolling or cutting.
6. Hardening: The screw is heated to a certain temperature and then cooled quickly. This changes the structure of the metal and makes it harder and more resistant.
7. Surface treatment: The purpose of surface treatment is to protect the screw from rust and other environmental influences. The surface treatment can be carried out by galvanizing, nickel-plating or anodizing.

However, these steps are not always linear and can vary depending on the screw type and manufacturer.

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