Secondary Processes
After fasteners are shaped through cold heading and thread rolling, they often undergo secondary processing to enhance performance, durability, and appearance. The most common secondary operations are heat treatment, electroplating, and coating. These operations allow manufacturers to tailor fasteners to meet the unique mechanical, environmental, and aesthetic requirements of their application.
Heat Treatment
What it is
Heat treatment involves controlled heating and cooling cycles applied to fasteners to improve their strength, increase hardness, and enhanced ductility to prevent brittle fractures.
Benefits
- Increased tensile and yield strength
- Enhanced wear and fatigue resistance
- Improved consistency and reliability under load
- Ability to meet specific strength grades and standards
Common Applications
- Automotive drivetrain and suspension components
- Industrial machinery and heavy equipment fasteners
- Structural bolts and high-strength screws
Electroplating
What it is
Electroplating deposits a thin layer of zinc, nickel, or cadmium onto the surface of a fastener through an electrochemical process. This enhances corrosion resistance while maintaining tight dimensional control.
Benefits
- Superior corrosion protection in demanding environments
- Improved appearance for aesthetics
- Reduced thread friction, aiding assembly
Common Applications
- Automotive exterior and underbody fasteners
- Electrical and electronic components requiring conductivity
- Consumer products where finish appearance matters
- General industrial fasteners exposed to moisture or chemicals
Coating
What it is
Coatings include organic or inorganic layers applied to the surface of fasteners, such as zinc phosphates, zinc flake, hot dip galvanizing, paints, or other specialized chemical treatments. Unlike plating, coatings can offer thicker barriers and additional functional properties.
Benefits
- Extended corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater or chemical exposure
- Improved lubricity for easier assembly and controlled torque
- Electrical insulation or conductivity depending on coating type
- Color coding for fastener identification and assembly efficiency
Common Applications
- Marine and offshore fasteners exposed to salt spray
- Construction anchors and structural bolts
- Appliance and consumer product assemblies requiring specific finishes
- Energy and utility hardware operating in harsh environments
Industries That Rely on Secondary Operations
- Automotive – for strength, durability, and corrosion protection in critical systems
- Defense – for safety-critical, lightweight, high-strength hardware
- Construction & Infrastructure – for structural reliability in outdoor environments
- Electronics & Electrical – for conductivity, insulation, and precision assembly
- Industrial Equipment & Energy – for fasteners exposed to high stress and harsh conditions
Why These Operations Matter
Heat treatment, electroplating, and coating transform cold formed fasteners into high-performance components engineered for their specific environment. From strength and toughness to corrosion resistance and aesthetics, these processes ensure fasteners not only meet but exceed the requirements of demanding applications.
Why Valley Fastener?
We know that your reputation depends on the quality and tolerances of our products. We have nearly 50 years in business as a supplier for major OEMs across medical device manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, military & defense, the energy sector, and electrical component manufacturers. Valley Fastener is the largest fastener manufacturer in North America and has an international distribution network that allows us to control quality from design through shipping. Let our manufacturing experience guide your product design to ensure you’re getting the most cost-effective solution.
Contact one of our experts today to answer any questions or for a detailed quote.
