ISO Publishes New Technical Specification for Fastener Coating System Assessment

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a new technical specification, ISO/TS 25393:2026 – Fasteners — Coating system assessment — Complementary and additional aspects to CQI-11, on October 7, 2026.

The new specification focuses on the evaluation of electroplating processes for fasteners, including the expected properties of their coating systems. It is designed to address fastener-specific requirements that are not fully covered by the existing CQI-11 framework, providing additional guidance for the assessment of coating processes across the fastener supply chain.

Addressing Fastener-Specific Coating Requirements

Surface coating plays an important role in fastener performance. Beyond improving corrosion resistance and appearance, coating systems can affect dimensional accuracy, assembly performance and the long-term reliability of fastened connections.

However, fasteners have specific characteristics that require particular attention during electroplating. Factors such as thread geometry, mechanical properties, coating thickness and hydrogen embrittlement risks can all influence the quality and performance of finished products.

CQI-11, developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), provides a framework for assessing plating systems. However, some of its assessment items require further clarification or adaptation when applied to fasteners.

ISO/TS 25393:2026 addresses these gaps by providing complementary and additional aspects specifically for fastener electroplating process evaluation.

Key Areas Covered by the New Specification

The technical specification focuses on the evaluation of electroplating processes and the expected coating properties of fasteners. Its key technical foundations include three existing ISO documents:

ISO 4042:2022–Fasteners—Electroplated coating systems.

ISO/TR 20491–Fasteners—Fundamentals of hydrogen embrittlement in steel fasteners.

ISO 16047–Fasteners—Torque/clamp force testing.

Hydrogen embrittlement is particularly important in the production of high-strength steel fasteners. It can cause delayed cracking or failure under certain conditions, making appropriate process control and risk management essential.

By incorporating fastener-specific considerations into the CQI-11 framework, the new specification provides a more targeted reference for evaluating electroplating processes and coating performance.

Who Should Pay Attention?

ISO/TS 25393:2026 applies to all parties involved in the supply chain for coated fasteners, including:

Fastener Manufacturers: To improve control over coating processes and product quality.

Chemical Suppliers: To better understand coating-related technical requirements and process expectations.

Electroplaters: To evaluate and improve plating process management.

Purchasers: To establish clearer expectations when assessing suppliers and specifying coating requirements.

The publication is particularly relevant to companies serving automotive and other industries where coating consistency, corrosion resistance and product reliability are critical.

What Does This Mean for the Fastener Industry?

The publication of ISO/TS 25393:2026 reflects the growing need for more specialized quality assessment approaches in fastener manufacturing.

As industrial applications become increasingly demanding, quality management is no longer limited to checking finished products. Greater attention is being given to manufacturing processes, coating performance and the coordination of quality requirements throughout the supply chain.

For fastener manufacturers and their partners, understanding the latest technical specifications can help improve process evaluation, strengthen quality management and support communication with customers.

As the fastener industry continues to move toward higher performance and more specialized applications, consistent coating quality and reliable manufacturing processes will remain important factors in maintaining competitiveness.

Connect with the Fastener Industry at IFS China 2027

As fastener manufacturing continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest standards, technologies and quality requirements is essential for industry professionals.

International Fastener Show China 2027 (IFS China) will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, buyers and industry professionals from around the world, providing a platform to explore new products, exchange technical insights and discover business opportunities across the fastener supply chain.

Note: ISO/TS 25393:2026 is a technical specification intended to complement CQI-11 for fastener-specific applications. Companies should refer to the published document for its detailed provisions and applicability to their processes.