Standardization in the fastener industry is a necessity. Without fastener standards, there would be inconsistency and inefficiency. Because of fastener standards, engineers and consumers alike know exactly what to expect.
Because of the consistency that comes along with standards, international business and trade becomes much easier. Companies can purchase products from around the world and can rest easy knowing that the product will fit in their application. There are many organizations that create fastener standards; one of these organizations is the European Committee for Standardization.
In 1991, the European Committee for Standardization, also known as CEN, began working on the standardization of the fastener industry intended to be applicable throughout Europe. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards are adopted as European (EN) standards wherever possible. However, new EN standards are established when the ISO standards are not deemed suitable.
German Institute for Standardization (DIN) standards are being replaced by EN or ISO standards. In the future, DIN standards will apply only to products for which no ISO or EN standard exists.
DIN EN ISO plus a number (e.g. DIN EN ISO 4027) would indicate that a combination of all three standards are acceptable.
DIN ISO plus a number (e.g. DIN ISO 7049) indicates an ISO standard that is an adopted unchanged DIN standard.
Standards can sometimes be confusing. If you have any questions about fastener standardization, let us know by reaching out to us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.
Joe Stephan
Application Engineering
jstephan@bossard.com
