Flow Drilling Screws (Fds) Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry Analysis, By Type (Round Washer, Hexagon Head, Others), By Application (Passenger Car, Commercial Vehicle), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2035

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FLOW DRILLING SCREWS (FDS) MARKET OVERVIEW

The global flow drilling screws (fds) market size was USD 0.07 billion in 2025, is expected to rise to USD 0.08 billion in 2026, and is forecasted to reach USD 0.11 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 3.8% throughout the period from 2025 to 2035.

A type of fastener utilized in many different industries, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, are flow drilling screws (FDS), also known as flow drill screws or friction drilling screws. FDS screws are made to leave a hole in the base material after they have connected two or more components. The increased demand for lightweight and high-strength fastening solutions in sectors including automotive, aerospace, and construction has contributed to the rise in Flow Drilling Screw demand. Flow Drilling Screws have a number of benefits, including reduced weight, enhanced joint strength, and the ability to successfully join different types of materials. They are appealing to industries looking to improve performance and cut costs because of these benefits. FDS screws are frequently utilized with lightweight materials like composites and aluminum.

The demand for sustainable practices and alternative energy sources was rising. The number of solar and wind energy projects was growing, and various sectors were focusing on lowering their carbon footprints. The significance of cybersecurity grew along with the pace of digitalization. Data breaches and high-profile hacks have brought attention to the necessity for strong cybersecurity measures. Automation and artificial intelligence technology are being incorporated into a number of industries, including manufacturing, shipping, customer service, and healthcare. The epidemic revealed weaknesses in international supply chains. To increase resilience, businesses were reevaluating their supply chain strategy, including reshoring or diversifying suppliers.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Supply Chain Disruptions to Hinder Market Place

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden decline in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Globally, COVID-19 significantly increased economic ambiguity. A severe economic slowdown was caused by lockdowns, travel restrictions, and supply chain disruptions in several areas. Consumer confidence and business investment were impacted by this uncertainty. Different industries experienced different effects. Due to decreased demand and restrictions, some industries, including travel, tourism, hospitality, and traditional retail, were severely impacted by the epidemic. On the other hand, sectors like e-commerce, technologies for remote work, healthcare, and some internet services saw growth. Manufacturing and production were impacted by the disruption of international supply lines. Many industries, including the automotive, electronics, and consumer products sectors, were disrupted by delays in the delivery of supplies and components. Demand for technologies and services connected to remote work, including as video conferencing, collaboration tools, and cloud computing, surged as a result of the move to remote work.

LATEST TRENDS

Digital Transformation to Enhance Market Growth

A significant trend was the increasing digital transformation across industries. To enhance operations, customer experiences, and decision-making, businesses have been investing in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics. More consumers were switching to online purchasing, which was causing e-commerce to expand steadily. This trend was intensified by the COVID-19 epidemic, and companies began to place more emphasis on improving their supply chain operations and internet presence. ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors were becoming more significant. Consumers and investors were emphasising sustainable and socially responsible business practises more, which drove corporations to embrace more ethical and environmentally friendly business practises. Flexible work schedules and remote employment have become more prevalent. Businesses are reassessing their need for office space and implementing technologies to allow remote cooperation.

• According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), lightweight vehicle production across Europe grew by 15.8% between 2019 and 2024, driving the adoption of innovative fastening solutions such as Flow Drilling Screws (FDS). These screws allow joining of aluminum sheets as thin as 1.5 mm without pre-drilling, contributing to improved manufacturing efficiency and structural integrity in automotive assembly.

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), manufacturers integrating FDS technology in electric vehicle (EV) assembly lines achieved an average 20% reduction in cycle time compared to spot welding methods. The DOE also reported that FDS ensures torque precision within ±5%, enhancing reliability in battery module enclosures and lightweight body frames.

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FLOW DRILLING SCREWS (FDS) MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type market is classified as round washer, hexagon head and others.

By Application

Based on application market is classified as passenger car and commercial vehicle.

DRIVING FACTORS

Consumer Preferences and Behaviour to Augment Market Growth

Rapid technological breakthroughs like AI, IoT (Internet of Things), and 5G can influence market trends by opening up new opportunities for goods, services, and business models. Market trends may change as a result of shifting customer choices, demographics, and behaviour. Companies frequently modify their products to better meet customer needs. Markets can be greatly impacted by government laws and policies. Regulation changes might present opportunities or difficulties for enterprises. Market movements can be influenced by economic variables such as inflation, interest rates, and currency exchange rates. Consumer spending, investment decisions, and corporate plans are frequently influenced by the economy.

Social and Cultural Factors to Propel Market Growth

Market trends can be impacted by cultural changes, social movements, and evolving societal ideals. For instance, innovations in marketing and product design have been influenced by greater awareness of diversity and inclusion. Growing interest in health and wellness may influence dietary, nutritional, and mental health trends as well as the creation of health-related goods and services. Natural catastrophes, pandemics, and geopolitical conflicts can all disrupt global supply chains, changing sourcing strategy or causing shortages that impact market patterns. Market trends may be influenced by competitors' behaviour and business plans. Innovative or disruptive business practises by one organisation may compel others to adopt them. The development of developing markets and the rise of the middle class in these areas may open up new economic opportunities and influence global investment and trade patterns.

• According to Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), approximately EUR 44 billion was invested in lightweight manufacturing technologies from 2020 to 2023. This investment directly promoted the use of Flow Drilling Screws (FDS), which enable faster joining—reducing production time by nearly 30% while maintaining structural stability in multi-material components.

• According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), standards such as ISO 23273 and ISO 19092 have encouraged the use of FDS in critical structural applications. These standards require fasteners to withstand tensile strengths above 600 MPa, ensuring compliance with global safety and durability norms in the automotive and aerospace industries.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Economic Uncertainty to Impede Market Expansion

Consumer spending, company investment, and a cautious approach to expansion can all be affected by economic instability, recessions, or financial crises, which can all impede market growth. In especially for sectors like finance, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, strict rules or compliance requirements can raise operating costs and erect obstacles to entry. Foreign investments may be discouraged by political unpredictability, unstable governments, or frequent changes in government policies. Events like natural catastrophes, trade conflicts, or pandemics can disrupt global supply chains, limiting the supply of materials and components and affecting manufacturing and distribution.

• According to the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), the import cost of alloy steel used for FDS manufacturing increased by 17% from 2021 to 2024 due to global trade fluctuations. This rise in raw material costs has impacted production margins, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in precision fastening systems.

• According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), about 35% of small and mid-tier manufacturers in Asia face barriers in adopting FDS technology because of the high capital investment needed for thermal drilling systems operating at 2,500–3,000 RPM. The lack of skilled technical labor further restricts widespread use in developing industrial regions.

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FLOW DRILLING SCREWS (FDS) MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America to Dominate the Market Due to Technology and Innovation

California's Silicon Valley is a world leader in the field of innovation and technology. Tech businesses, startups, venture capital firms, and top-tier academic institutions like Stanford University are all concentrated there in large numbers. The area's culture of creativity, accessibility to money, and availability of a talented workforce have all helped it to take the lead in the tech sector. With businesses like Ford, Tesla, Chrysler, North America is renowned for its automotive industry which promotes flow drilling screws (FDS) market share. The nation is a leader in automotive production thanks to its long engineering legacy, emphasis on quality, and a well-established supply system.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players of flow drilling screws (FDS) are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

• EJOT Holding (Germany): According to the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), EJOT Holding manufactures over 250 million flow drilling screws annually, primarily serving the automotive and construction industries. The company’s products achieve tensile strengths exceeding 700 N/mm², aligning with European standards for lightweight structural joining applications.

• Arnold Umformtechnik (Germany): According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Arnold Umformtechnik supplies FDS technology to more than 60 global automotive OEMs. Its fastening systems enhance joint fatigue life by approximately 18%, improving performance and durability in high-vibration components such as chassis and drivetrain assemblies.

List of Top Flow Drilling Screws (Fds) Companies

• EJOT Holding (Germany)
• Arnold Umformtechnik (Germany)
• Weber (Germany)
• Atlas Copco (Sweden)
• Deprag (Germany)
• ATF (U.S.)

REPORT COVERAGE

The report on flow drilling screws (FDS) anticipates a detailed analysis of the global market size at the regional and national level, the ssegmentation market growth and market share. The prime objective of the report is to help user understand the market in terms of definition, market potential, influencing trends, and the challenges faced by the market. Aanalysis of sales, the impact of the market players, recent developments, opportunity analysis, strategic market growth analysis, territorial market expansion, and technological innovations are the subject matter explained in the report.