Fasteners or welding? A practical guide to choose the right joining system

When making a choice between fastening systems and welding, there are numerous factors to consider: the materials of the components to be joined, the intended use of the product, its structure, the need for maintenance or reassembly, costs and labor, and safety regulations are all elements that influence the final decision.

In this article, Specialinsert, a long-established Italy-based company in the fasteners sector, will guide us through the situations in which it is preferable to choose assembly using inserts or by welding.

Screws, bolts, and rivets: versatile and flexible assembly

Fasteners include a wide range of components, such as screws, bolts, and rivets, used to join two or more components. Their versatility in terms of shapes, sizes, and materials makes them suitable for applications ranging from industrial manufacturing to construction, furniture assembly, and more. Their primary function is to evenly distribute the load on the structure, thereby increasing its overall flexibility.
Unlike welding, which requires specialized installation in a safe environment using specific machinery, fastening systems offer the possibility of quick and easy on-site installation without safety risks and at a lower cost. However, they do require periodic maintenance or replacement, as they are subject to loosening and deterioration over time, while welding guarantees longer-lasting results.

Welding: a structural and durable choice

Welding consists in fusing the adjacent edges of two metal components, obtaining a strong and permanent bond, with or without filler metal. This process can be used on various materials, including metals, plastics, and alloys, and is particularly suitable for applications that require high structural strength, support for heavy loads, and resistance to mechanical stress, such as bridge construction. However, welding requires specialized labor and must be performed in safe working environments, resulting in a higher cost compared to fastening systems. Nevertheless, welded joints do not loosen or corrode easily, reducing the need for maintenance.

Specialinsert Fasteners

For over 50 years, Specialinsert has been a leader in the field of inserts, offering a wide range of solutions that range from traditional threaded tubular fasteners, blind rivets, and inserts for wood to innovative and self-tapping inserts for plastic materials, threaded inserts, and ¼ quick-release fasteners. In addition, the company can identify and propose new customized fastening solutions when necessary, always guaranteeing the highest quality and reliability.

Below, Ingegneria Italia’s video illustrates the differences between fastening with inserts and welding:

For personalized advice on your project or if you still have doubts about the best joining method, we invite you to visit the Specialinsert online stand and contact the company's team of experts using the contact information on this page.