Posted by JLewis on | Comments Off on How Do Thread Forming Screws Work?
The right fastener makes all the difference when it comes to assembling components. Thread forming screws are a versatile and reliable solution for wood, plastic, or sheet metal materials that don’t already have threaded holes. These screws eliminate the need for tapping, as they create the necessary threads directly within the material during installation. Here, we’ll explore how thread forming screws work, how to install them, and their many applications.
Thread-forming screws fall under the self-tapping category of fasteners. What sets them apart is how they interact with the material they’re driven into. Rather than cutting away material to create threads, these screws displace the material around them, creating internal threads that perfectly mate with the screw.
Thread forming screws often have a progressive tip that gradually widens the contact point in small steps, allowing the material to shift. These screws don’t have a sharp edge to cut through the material — instead, they use progressive action to gradually displace or compress the material to create space for the threads to engage. The result is a tight, secure fit that won’t loosen due to vibration.
How to Install Thread-Forming Screws
Installing thread forming screws is a pretty straightforward process, involving these steps:
Choose the Right Point Style: Before actually installing the screw, you have to make sure you’re using the best point style for your application. Thread forming screws are typically available with sharp or blunt points. Sharp points are more suitable for softer materials, while blunt points work better for harder materials.
Create a Pilot Hole (Optional): Depending on the screw type and material, you may need to first drill a pilot hole to help guide the screw. However, some thread forming screws can be drilled directly into the material.
Drive the Screw: Using a drill or screwdriver, drive the screw into the material. The screw will form its own threads as it turns.
After installing thread forming screws, they can be easily removed and reinstalled without losing thread integrity.
Applications of Thread-Forming Screws
Thread-forming screws are used in a wide range of industries and applications due to their adaptability and reliability. They are particularly well-suited for use in softer materials such as:
Plastics: These screws are ideal for electronic enclosures, automotive parts, and other plastic assemblies where cutting threads could weaken the material. Thread forming screws ensure a secure fit for more fracture-prone components.
Thin Sheet Metal: HVAC systems, ductwork, and similar applications benefit from thread-forming screws, as they create durable threads even in thin metals that can’t support thread cutting.
Composite Materials: Thread forming screws are well-suited for composites, where maintaining the structural integrity of the material is essential for a strong connection.
Contact Associated Fastening for Thread-Forming Screws
At Associated Fastening, we’ve spent over 35 years developing fastening solutions that combine innovation and quality. Our extensive selection of thread forming screws, washers, bolts, and other specialized fasteners is designed to meet the needs of any project.
When you partner with Associated Fastening, you gain access to expert engineering support and a commitment to delivering high-performance products tailored to your applications. For more information about our thread forming screws or other fastening solutions, contact us or request a quote today.
Posted by JLewis on | Comments Off on Thread Forming Screws vs. Everyday Screws
Standard machine screws go into tapped holes with premade threads. But some assemblies benefit more from thread-forming screws—screws that bite into untapped holes and create their own threads. These fasteners have the same standard thread pitch and size options as machine screws, but their sharp points and hard threads can carve through untapped holes for a tight, long-lasting hold.
Learn more about the advantages of replacing everyday machine screws with thread-forming screws in your next project.
What Is a Thread-Forming Screw?
Everyday screws and thread-forming screws both serve the same primary function: they hold assemblies together by fastening through holes in two or more components. But how they perform this function is different.
Everyday machine screws fasten components with pre-threaded holes. Thus, these screws have slightly softer threads and a blunted point. They also generally require a locking element, such as a nut.
Thread-forming screws don’t need a locking element or pre-drilled threads in the mating hole. Instead, each thread-forming screw has a sharp point and hardened threads. As users insert the thread-forming screw, the threads cut into the material and lock the fastener into place. Thread-forming screws can form threads in many different kinds of materials, including non-ferrous metals and malleable steel alloys.
The key advantages of using thread-forming screws instead of everyday screws are:
Tight Self-Locking Capabilities: Thread-forming screws make their own threads without leaving gaps between the male and female threads. With everyday machine screws, these gaps can lead to rotational loosening over time. Thread-forming screws also eliminate the need for additional locking components like nuts.
No Removal of Chips: Thread-forming screws do not produce chips that must be removed. Rather, the material is displaced within the mating component, strengthening the joined parts.
Reduction of Fasteners: In addition to eliminating additional locking elements, thread-forming screws form tighter bonds and can reduce the total number of fasteners needed in an assembly. Better structural integrity of fasteners leads to further cost savings and reduced weight.
Simplicity of Construction: Manufacturers don’t need to tap holes, worry about thread tolerances, or inspect the screw threads.
What Are Thread-Forming Screws Used For?
Choosing the right fasteners makes your products and assemblies better. Manufacturers can simplify and speed up production by choosing thread-forming screws for virtually all assemblies made of softer materials, especially where cutting threads could weaken the material. Common applications of thread-forming screws include:
Composites: Thread-forming screws can create a secure connection between composite materials without degrading local material properties.
Plastics: By eliminating the tapping stage, manufacturers minimize the risk of breakage and cracking, which can weaken the assembly and lead to product failure. Manufacturers commonly use thread-forming screws for plastic assemblies like automotive components, electronic enclosures, medical equipment, and safety devices like carbon monoxide detectors.
Sheet Metal: Thin sheet metal is typically incompatible with pre-drilling processes. Instead, technicians can tightly fasten together sheet metal assemblies like HVAC ducts with small thread-forming screws that lock into place with a single turn.
Contact Associated Fastening Products
Associated Fastening Products is a trusted provider of thread-forming screws for manufacturing, on-site assembly, and construction projects. For over 35 years, our organization has served OEMs across all major markets with dozens of different fasteners, bolts, washers, brass fittings, and other components. Through our network of distribution centers across the United States, we can fulfill your fastener orders with short lead times.
