A thread forming screw refers to a screw that develops its own threads as it is driven into a mating material. Thread forming screws eliminate the need for a taping operation or nuts, which reduces the parts used and saves money. Steel and stainless steel thread forming screws also resist the problem of loosening due to vibration. As these screws create their own mating threads, no gaps are present between the male and female threads, something that contributes significantly to vibrational loosening. At ITW Shakeproof Industrial, we offer an array of thread forming screws. Plastic and metal mating surfaces work well with these screws when properly chosen.
Below are some types of thread forming screws for various mating surfaces and applications.
1. Thread Forming Screws for Plastic
Depending on whether the plastic mating surface is thermoset plastic or thermoplastic, the plastic material can have a range of elasticity and strength values. There are various options when it comes to thread forming screws into plastic depending on the type of plastic material and requirements of the joint. Direct assembly into plastic as opposed to threaded inserts for joints can result in significant time and cost savings.
2. Thread Tapping Screws for Sheet Metal
These types of standard steel and stainless steel thread forming screws have threads which are spaced widely apart and a sharp point which enables the fast location of holes and quick assembly. These screws are not designed for heavy loads, but are rather commonly used in sheet metal applications such as those involving heating and cooling.
3. Thread Rolling Screws for Thicker Steel
These thread rolling screws are designed for use in steel with a thickness up to double that of the screw’s diameter. They have the same machine screw geometry and pitch as a course threaded bolt, except that the lead threads are hardened and designed to develop threads in ductile steel. There are various types of thread rolling screws, but each one is designed to enable high stripping torque and low driving torque.
4. Thread Forming Screws for Lightweight alloys
These screws, similar to thread rolling screws for steel, have a different thread geometry that causes an increase in the pull-out force in lighter alloys (such as magnesium and aluminum) which possess lower yield strengths. The strength of these joints depends significantly on the length of the thread engagement and size of the hole.
To learn about the various types of steel and stainless steel thread forming screws we offer at ITW Shakeproof Industrial, call us today at 920.261.2652 or reach us through our contact form.
