Since nearly all fasteners are heat treated, it is useful to understand the types of heat treatments used in the fastener industry.

Fasteners are used in every industry. In order to achieve the necessary high strength, durability and corrosion resistance, high-performance fasteners must be heat treated.

In some cases it is necessary to consider field-erected furnaces and ovens. These are known in the industry as “knockdown” ovens.

Ovens designed for age-hardening processes must have precise temperature uniformity, proper airflow, energy efficiency, low maintenance and provide consistent metallurgical results for a variety of part and workload shapes and sizes.

A frequently asked question is, "What's the difference between an oven and a furnace?"

Hydrogen embrittlement of fasteners is a result of electrochemical surface treatments whereby hydrogen (in atomic form) enters the lattice of the steel and causes microcracks in the structure, followed by mechanical failure.

After fasteners are manufactured, coatings are often applied to provide enhanced properties.

All fasteners undergo heat processing during their manufacture, and many undergo multiple heating processes.

Convection is a type of heat transfer between two bodies that do not have contact with one another but instead transfer heat via contact with a gas or liquid.