As industries pursue lightweighting, electrification, automation and higher levels of structural performance, the industrial fasteners market is continually evolving to meet increasingly demanding applications
According to a recent analysis of the global industrial fasteners market by Mordor Intelligence, these changing requirements are driving steady growth across the sector, with the market expected to increase from $92.13 billion in 2026 to $113.33 billion by 2031.
More importantly for design engineers, the report highlights how technical requirements are reshaping fastener selection across automotive, aerospace, construction and industrial machinery applications.
AUTOMOTIVE AND AUTOMATION DRIVES DEMAND
One of the strongest drivers is the ongoing electrification of transportation. While electric vehicles often contain fewer fasteners than conventional vehicles, the performance requirements placed on those fasteners are significantly higher.
Battery pack assemblies must withstand repeated thermal cycling while maintaining clamping force and structural integrity. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly specifying specialised fastening solutions, including torque-to-yield screws capable of maintaining preload through temperature ranges from -40°C to +85°C. This shift is increasing the value and complexity of individual fasteners even as overall fastener counts decline.
The automotive sector remains the largest consumer of industrial fasteners, accounting for 33.47% of market demand in 2025. However, the report identifies industrial machinery and robotics as the fastest-growing application segment, with projected growth of 5.66% annually through 2031.
This trend reflects the growing precision requirements of modern manufacturing systems. Collaborative robots, automation equipment and advanced production machinery increasingly rely on miniature, high-precision fastening systems capable of meeting tight dimensional tolerances while maintaining reliability in dynamic operating environments.
AEROSPACE ADVANCES INNOVATION
Aerospace represents another significant area of technical development. Although aerospace fasteners account for a relatively small proportion of overall fastener volumes, they are forecast to be the fastest-growing product category, expanding at 5.07% annually through 2031. The sector’s requirements for lightweight materials, traceability and extreme environmental performance continue to drive innovation in fastener design and manufacturing.
Titanium fasteners are increasingly specified for high-temperature and weight-sensitive applications, while nickel-based superalloy fasteners are being deployed in environments approaching 700°C. Certification requirements, including AS9100 compliance and extensive non-destructive testing, further differentiate aerospace fasteners from standard industrial products.
MATERIAL SELECTION IS EVOLVING
Metal fasteners accounted for 49.23% of market revenue in 2025 and are expected to maintain their dominant position. Carbon steel remains the primary choice for many structural applications because of its balance of strength and cost, while alloy steels continue to serve fatigue-critical applications such as automotive drivetrains and suspension systems. Stainless steel remains important where corrosion resistance is essential, although fluctuating nickel and molybdenum prices are encouraging some manufacturers to explore alternative material options.
At the same time, engineers are increasingly evaluating polymer fasteners for non-structural applications. Advances in reinforced engineering polymers have expanded their use in electronics, appliances and lightweight assemblies, although their lower mechanical performance continues to limit adoption in high-load applications.
The report also highlights the growing influence of infrastructure investment on fastener technology. Offshore wind projects, seismic-resistant construction and major transportation infrastructure developments are increasing demand for large-diameter, high-strength fastening systems capable of operating reliably in harsh environments for decades. These applications increasingly require advanced materials, corrosion-resistant coatings and full traceability throughout the supply chain.
According to the report, whether supporting electric vehicle battery systems, aerospace structures, robotic automation cells or offshore renewable energy installations, fastening technologies are becoming increasingly specialised and application-specific.
