fastening

Fastening is the process of joining two or more objects so they stay connected, transmit loads, or maintain alignment. It encompasses mechanical fasteners, adhesive bonding, and other joining methods, used across construction, manufacturing, furniture, electronics, and textiles. Fastening aims to provide structural integrity while meeting requirements for strength, stiffness, serviceability, and, in some cases, ease of disassembly.

Mechanical fasteners are devices that join parts by clamping them together or by forming a threaded connection. Common examples include nails, screws, bolts with nuts and washers, rivets, and pins. Clamps, ties, straps, and zip ties also serve fastening roles in temporary or adjustable assemblies. Materials include steel (often alloyed or stainless), aluminum, brass, and plastics, with finishes such as galvanizing, zinc plating, or corrosion-resistant coatings to suit environments. Adhesive bonding uses glues, epoxies, or other polymers to form a bond without mechanical interruption, often replacing or complementing fasteners. Welding, soldering, and brazing create metallic bonds through heat and filler materials, providing strong, sometimes permanent connections.

Selection depends on factors such as load type (tension, shear), material compatibility, environmental exposure, temperature, vibration, and whether the joint needs to be permanent or removable. Design considerations include avoiding corrosion, ensuring proper fit, controlling torque or clamping force, and accounting for installation tools and accessibility. Standards and specifications from organizations such as ISO, DIN, or ASTM guide sizes, tolerances, and material requirements to ensure interchangeability and safety.

Fastening remains a fundamental concept in both practical engineering and everyday applications, enabling reliable connections across many industries.