It is still the small things that matter.
From undersized screws to micro fasteners, the smallest of parts play an integral role in many of the ways we life in our lives. From television remotes to key fobs for our cars, hiding in the well designed groves of these everyday items are the smallest of micro fasteners or miniature screws. In fact, it is the continued development of these tiny fasteners that drive the technology that we use today and will use in the future.
The most innovative products do not rely on custom screw, fasteners, and other parts. These life changing products depend on the customization of many of the parts that they use. The fact that more than 200 billion fasteners are used each year in the U.S. is an indicator of just how big the small fastener market is. Consider some of these facts and figures about a very large industry that plays a huge role in the nation’s economy:

• The screw, nut, and bolt industry in America employs 131,949 people.
• $30 billion was the amount of revenue the screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing in the U.S. reached in the year 2017.
• Hi-lo screws have a reduced minor diameter and are able to displace less plastic material and minimize stress.
• Hi-lo screws also have a double lead high and low thread with the high thread having a 30 degree thread form which providing positive thread engagement, while at the same time minimizing material displacement.
• SEMS screws combine two separate parts into one pre-assembled product. These low cost fasteners with washers under the head are fast, permanent, and easily adaptable to a variety of applications.
• Early screws were always handmade, so no two were ever alike. By 1928, however, the National Screw Thread Commission established a standard for screw threads for interchangeability.

Although the concept of the screw dates back to around 200 B.C., it is still an integral part of our lives. From the latest piece of technology that you can hold in your hand to the largest bolts and screws that are used for entire structures, much of the items that are in our world today are the result of fasteners.