Experts in the industry emphasize that behind the construction of major industrial giants, there are often small but essential fasteners playing a critical role. Though they may seem insignificant, these components have a major impact on overall performance and reliability. Due to their vital function in connecting parts, consumers increasingly favor brands that ensure quality and dependability when purchasing.
Fasteners, also known as standard parts, are mechanical components used to join two or more elements into a single unit. They are widely applied across industries such as machinery, equipment, vehicles, ships, railways, bridges, buildings, tools, and instruments. According to Luo Baihui, Secretary General of the International Model Association, with the growth of China's manufacturing sector, fasteners have become one of the most traded products, meeting international standards. This plays a significant role in promoting Chinese fastener companies globally and encouraging their participation in international collaboration and competition.
Due to the specific requirements for size, tolerance, weight, performance, surface condition, marking, and packaging, several national and industry standards regulate fastener production. These include systems from English, German, and American manufacturers. The machinery industry is a major consumer of fasteners. However, due to late recognition of the importance of basic mechanical parts, long-term underinvestment has led to weak foundational capabilities. As the level of mainframe technology improves, the gap in mechanical basic components has become more evident.
Despite recent government support in areas like technology transfer and R&D, there remains a significant gap compared to global standards. Current issues include limited product variety, unstable quality, high early failure rates, and poor reliability. Fasteners, as key basic components, require continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of the machinery industry.
Luo Baihui points out that while common standard fasteners are oversupplied domestically, high-end types—such as high-temperature, special-shaped, titanium-plastic composite, and specialty fasteners—are still in short supply and rely heavily on imports. The National Machinery Bureau has classified "common standard fasteners" as restricted development items, while "high-strength shaped fasteners" are encouraged. With technological progress and industrial upgrading, demand for high-strength fasteners is growing.
According to a report, during the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the number of construction machinery products like excavators and road rollers will reach 6 million units, with annual sales around 50,000. Based on this, the annual demand for high-strength fasteners is estimated at 20,000 to 30,000 tons. Fasteners are not only a fundamental part of China’s equipment manufacturing industry but also a crucial base for national economic development.
While maintaining cost advantages, the industry must focus on innovation, quality, and performance to achieve sustainable growth. By 2015, total industry output is expected to reach 7.5 to 8 million tons, with exports showing steady growth. The average annual export growth rate during the 12th Five-Year Plan was between 8% and 10%, reaching 30 billion yuan by 2015.
Domestic fastener manufacturers should look ahead. Major projects like high-speed rail, aerospace, highways, and airports offer opportunities to move toward higher value segments. For example, Boeing plans to add 3,400 aircraft over the next 20 years. The National Development and Reform Commission has allocated 800 billion yuan for urban rail transit projects, creating significant demand for high-end fasteners. These large-scale initiatives are driving the need for advanced components like high-strength and titanium alloy fasteners, making it possible to shed the "low-end" label.
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