Transitioning to the adoption of increasingly innovative technology is facilitating access to modern, high-performance fasteners for numerous industrial applications.

Industrial products and services provider RS South Africa is “leading the way” in this regard, such as introducing duplex stainless steel and titanium materials paired with nanostructure fastener coating blends to engineer corrosion-resistant alloys, says RS South Africa sales director Erick Wessels.

Wessels cites two key developments in the fasteners market in Africa that will enable original-equipment manufacturers, contractors, manufacturers and other end-users to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainability.

One such development is adopting methods that enhance the mechanical properties of fasteners – such as improving fatigue resistance and reducing microstructural weaknesses – including through high-precision cold forming and thread-rolling techniques.

“These combinations drastically extend fastener service life, especially in harsh environments . . . [such as those of] coastal infrastructure, energy installations and chemical processing facilities . . . This translates into more durable assemblies, lower maintenance demands and a higher margin of safety,” says Wessels.

Another development is engineers using advanced simulation technologies or tools, as well as digital twin technology, to model fastener behaviour under load, vibration and thermal stress, “before anything is physically manufactured”. This ensures optimal joint performance and accelerates development cycles.

Meanwhile, amid continued emphasis on sustainability, fastener manufacturing can also be environment-friendly and can include the use of life-cycle optimised materials, lower-carbon manufacturing processes and product development focusing on reusable fasteners.

All these trends are noteworthy as fasteners boasting such “modern characteristics” have become a “critical performance enabler” for various operations.

“The ability to customise fastener strength, durability and compatibility to exact specifications gives manufacturers and infrastructure developers a powerful edge in building systems that are safer, more reliable and future-ready,” adds Wessels.

Reliable, Modern Products

RS South Africa offers application-specific fastener products.

The company’s most recent innovation is the RS PRO high-tensile titanium hex socket cap screw, suitable for use in various applications and work environments that require an “easy-to-install and remove” cap screw that is robust and durable. The cap screw can be easily installed or removed using a hex key or a hex bit paired with a socket wrench or power tool.

It is also designed with corrosion-, wear- and temperature-resistance in mind, and can resist rounding, shearing or breakage.

Additionally, the RS PRO stainless steel hex bolts and socket cap screws are “ideal” for industrial machinery, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling systems, as well as marine applications. Manufactured using A2 and A4 stainless steel grades, these fasteners have advanced strength and corrosion resistance.

“Their high-tensile properties, combined with resistance to oxidising agents, ensure long-term performance with minimal maintenance, translating directly into reduced downtime and longer asset life,” adds Wessels.

Further, RS South Africa also offers nylon fasteners as well as RS PRO nylon locking nuts and assorted locking washers.

The RS PRO nylon range is particularly suited to the automotive manufacturing, heavy equipment and rail sectors, as it has a high resistance to vibration, providing joint security and reducing mechanical stress, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety.

The lightweight nylon fasteners – including screws, spacers and washers – provide an alternative to metal fasteners, with the latter proving to be “weighty” when used in precision tasks, potentially creating operational risks. The fasteners are also non-conductive and resistant to an array of chemicals.

Meanwhile, Wessels says there will be further advancements in the fasteners market, noting that there will be a “continued convergence between fastener engineering and high-performance materials science” to optimise operational processes and ensure safety without compromising on mechanical integrity.

“There will be wider adoption of lightweight, high-strength alloys such as advanced aluminium-lithium blends and next-generation duplex steels . . . These materials will allow for leaner designs, reduce energy consumption in motion-based systems, and ultimately contribute to decarbonisation goals.”

The construction, energy and water treatment sectors will likely benefit from an increased focus on surface engineering for durable product development and environmental compliance, as solutions – such as hexavalent chromium alternatives and self-healing coatings – are continuously developed, he concludes.