Changzhou Yongmao Special Fastener Launches Hollow Thru-Axle YM12-AO-K, Leveraging Cold Heading Expertise for Precision Bicycle Components

CHANGZHOU, China – Changzhou Yongmao Special Fastener Co., Ltd., a manufacturer with over 30 years of experience in custom cold-formed fasteners and precision components, has introduced its Hollow Thru-Axle YM12-AO-K for Bicycles | YONGMAO, a lightweight and structurally robust axle solution engineered for mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bike platforms. As the global bicycle thru-axle and skewer market continues its upward trajectory—valued at USD 0.5 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5%—Yongmao is positioned to serve bicycle brands, aftermarket suppliers, and e-bike manufacturers seeking precision-engineered axle components backed by decades of cold forming expertise.

The Hollow Thru-Axle YM12-AO-K is manufactured from 7075 aluminum alloy and features a fully hollow, one-piece forged design that reduces unsprung mass while maintaining the structural integrity required for aggressive riding conditions. The axle is treated with anodized black or natural color finishing and offers a tensile strength of ≥550 MPa, a bending strength of ≥600 kgf, and a hexagon socket breaking torque of Max 20 N.m. The hollow shaft design allows for weight reduction without compromising stiffness, making it suitable for performance-oriented bicycles where every gram matters. The product is available in various lengths and thread pitches, with customization options for anodized colors, flange shapes, and drive interfaces to match specific bicycle frame requirements.

The launch of the YM12-AO-K aligns with significant growth in the global bicycle thru-axle market, driven by the increasing popularity of cycling as a recreational and fitness activity, the rising demand for high-performance bicycles, and technological advancements in bicycle design. According to industry research, cycling trips in urban areas have increased by 20% over the past five years, and bikes equipped with thru-axles exhibit superior handling and stability compared to traditional quick-release skewers. The growing adoption of disc brakes and Boost hub standards is further accelerating the shift toward thru-axle systems across all bicycle categories, not just high-end models. As e-bikes continue to gain market share, the demand for durable, lightweight thru-axle components is expected to rise accordingly.

Yongmao's core manufacturing strength lies in its expertise in ultra-deep-hole, extra-long and slender, and high head-to-shank ratio products—a technical specialization that directly benefits thru-axle production. The company employs the cold heading process to achieve precise dimensional consistency and material density, which is critical for axle applications where concentricity and surface finish directly affect wheel alignment and bearing life. Cold heading offers significant advantages over conventional machining, including improved tensile strength, exceptional straightness in long parts, and high-volume repeatability at lower costs. Compared with cutting processes, cold heading can increase bolt tensile strength by approximately 10% to 20% while dramatically improving productivity.

Each batch of YM12-AO-K axles undergoes rigorous inspection using the company's in-house laboratory equipment, including universal testing machines, hardness testers, and concentricity gauges. As an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer since 2006 and a recognized High-Tech Enterprise since 2023, Yongmao maintains documented procedures for raw material incoming inspection, in-process monitoring, and final testing, ensuring full traceability from steel coil to finished axle. The company holds dozens of invention patents and has accumulated extensive technical reserves in precision cold forming.

Yongmao's products serve a diverse range of industries beyond bicycles, including e-bikes, automobiles, high-speed rail, and construction machinery. Its customer base includes well-known partners such as Bergstrom (US-invested), Regal Rexnord (US-invested), and Suzhou Baoqiang Precision Manufacturing (a Huawei supplier). This cross-industry experience provides Yongmao with a broad perspective on precision manufacturing that it applies to its bicycle axle product line.

With its advanced cold heading capabilities, ISO 9001 and High-Tech Enterprise credentials, and flexible customization services, Changzhou Yongmao Special Fastener Co., Ltd. continues to strengthen its position as a reliable supplier of precision bicycle thru-axles for global markets. The Hollow Thru-Axle YM12-AO-K is now available through the company's distribution channels for bicycle brands, aftermarket suppliers, and e-bike manufacturers worldwide.

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Changzhou Yongmao Special Fastener Co.,Ltd.