Seeing is Believing: Hypodermic Tubing Samples

Hypodermic Sample Card FRONT 1-30-2018Most researchers we work with don’t order a 60″ piece of hypodermic tubing from us because that’s exactly the size they need. They order it because it’s the industry standard, and they’ll figure out how to make it work for their application once it reaches the lab. But as the resource for R&D, that’s not good enough for us at Component Supply.  We know there is a better way. That’s why our fabrication division exists. CS Custom Fab can cut, deburr and clean this material to our customers’ specifications with speed, affordability, and precision.

But we know our R&D friends are busy, and the extra steps of requesting a quote or sending a drawing are sometimes cumbersome – especially if you don’t know what you’re getting. So, we’ve decided to send you a sample of our straight and bevel cut hypo tube whenever you purchase any quantity of hypodermic tubing. We’ve always believed that it is our responsibility to put the best components in the hands of the brightest researchers and product designers so they can change the world. We just had to get these samples into your hands so you can see exactly what we do in CS Custom Fab that makes the work of our customers so much more efficient.

One more thing: we treat our stock cut pieces the same way: http://bit.ly/2BLHlix. These pieces are cut, deburred and cleaned just like our custom jobs but with no minimum. We look forward to hearing from you!

parts@componentsupplycompany.com

The mission of Component Supply is to be a resource for reseachers and product designers by connecting them with the components and knowledge they need to change the world.

Fasteners Overview Blog Post

At Component Supply we are privileged to work with thousands of people in all stages of their careers, from engineers and researchers in all different industries to college students just getting started in their field. As we work with a variety of customers, we’ve noticed that just because certain information is common knowledge in one discipline doesn’t mean it’s common knowledge in other industries. One product that we have found this to be true of is fasteners, so we want to provide helpful information about the head styles, drive styles and sizing of fasteners, specifically SAE fasteners.

HEAD STYLES

Pan Head Flat Head
Pan Head           Flat Head

The most common head styles are flat head and pan head. Flat head fasteners are typically used when a flat surface is a desired result because they will be flush with the surface being fastened. Pan head screws are used when this is not necessarily a concern. Other head styles include binding, socket and fillister head.

DRIVE STYLES

Socket Head Slotted Drive Phillips Drive
Hex                    Slotted                  Phillips

Many drive systems existing today have been developed for automation purposes. The hex drive, the slotted drive and the Phillips drive are the most common. The slotted drive is simply a slot in the head of the screw where a slotted driver can be inserted. The Phillips drive has a cross pattern. Finally there is the hex drive style, which uses a hexagonal key as the driver. Other common drive styles are Torx and Star drive.

SIZING

Sizing for fasteners is broken down into two a pairs of numbers. The first number indicates the diameter of the material before threads are cut. This number can either be a fraction of an inch or a wire size number. The wire size numbers are preceded by a pound or number sign, such as #2-56. The second number indicates the number of threads per inch and typically gets smaller as the diameter gets larger. So, in smaller sizes it is a wire size and in larger sizes it is a fractional size. For example, #2-56 is a #2 wire size, and there are 56 threads per inch. The 1/4-20 is a quarter of an inch in diameter, and there are 20 threads per inch.

One more piece of trivia: the difference between a screw and a bolt is how the fastener is used. In very general terms, if the fastener uses a nut, it is considered a bolt. The same fastener would be considered a screw if threaded into something that had internal threads.

Things to Consider When Working with Stainless Steel Machine Screws

Depending upon your exact applications, stainless steel machine screws may sometimes require the use of a stainless steel nut to hold them in place. At other times, the pre-tapped holes through certain materials are enough to secure and hold them firmly in place. Another option some manufacturers utilize, in place of a nut, is to apply a small amount of an adhesive designed to work with stainless steel, which keeps the screw in place once the glue has fully dried. Another thing to remember, when selecting screws, is that machine screws come in different thread sizes and lengths. The thread size should match the type of thread created during pre-tapping operations. Using the wrong thread results in cross-threading, and other issues where both the hole and screw can become damaged.

Stainless Steel Machine Screws Have Advantages over Other Types of Machine Screws

Many industries choose stainless steel machine screws over other types because of their ability to withstand corrosion. Stainless steel is not prone to rust, like other kinds of metals. Because stainless steel has this added bonus, it is able to be used to build equipment and machinery used for food processing, as well as the appliances found in your home. Stainless steel also is suited for products where there are fluctuations in operational temperatures, such as in televisions, computers and ovens. It may even be used to secure moving components in other devices. Machine screws are designed to retain their strength in either of these environments, while remaining firmly in place.

Fastening Options You Can Use with Stainless Steel Machine Screws

There are different ways in which you are able to ensure stainless steel machine screws remain firmly in place. The screws do require a predrilled hole before they are attached to your various components and parts. One option for holding them in place is to make sure the predrilled holes match the size of screw you are using. If you drill the holes too big, the screw will not fasten correctly. As long as the hole is the right size, the use of nuts is often not necessary, as you are able to fully tighten the screw. Another option is to apply a small amount of adhesive or glue into the predrilled hole prior to inserting and tightening the screw. Once the glue dries, it helps to hold the screw in place and prevents it from working loose. Using glues or adhesives as a fastening method is ideal for products where the screws are being used in areas that can be affected by vibrations or movements from the finished product.

Government Projects Require DARFs-Compliant Stainless Steel Machine Screws

Government and military projects require that certain materials and products be able to pass regulations and compliances. For instance, stainless steel machine screws require Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DARFs) certifications. These certifications ensure each and every screw satisfies specific acquisition requirements, such as their country of manufacture. Whether you are a government contractor, or a government agency, we are able to provide DARFs-compliant fasteners for all kinds of defense projects.

Stainless Steel Machine Screws Are One Screw Used to Assemble Products

There are different types of screws which you are able to use to assemble products, parts and other components, including stainless steel machine screws, stainless steel miniature self-tapping screws, stainless steel socket head cap screws, and ceramic machine screws. Selecting the right screws to use is important in order to ensure each piece is held securely and firmly in place. When screws are not correctly tightened, they can come loose and fall out as a result of vibrations and movements of other related parts within the finished product. If the screws fall out, they could cause individual component to fall apart and get in the way of moving items, or touch other metal components, such as on a circuit board, and result in damage to the product.

Securing Stainless Steel Machine Screws Depends on Your Processes and Materials

There are a few ways in which you can secure stainless steel machine screws together. The processes you use depend upon the type of materials, as well as your preferred applications. One method is to drill out a pre-tapped and threaded hole at a desired depth, directly into the material. The depth needs to be at least as deep as the total length of the screw, not counting the screw head, unless you want a flush head: then you would include the screw head in your measurement. The hole should also be the correct size, in order for the screw to fit firmly. If the hole is too large, the screw will just slide in and not be able to be tightened.

Self-Tapping Screws Are Not Considered Stainless Steel Machine Screws

Some people easily confuse self-tapping screws with stainless steel machine screws. However, self-tapping screws are not considered machine screws because of the processes used to manufacture the screws. Both products are made from stainless steel and are miniature, but those are the only similarities. Self-tapping screws have small flat heads and are type BA. They include a gimlet, or sharp point for self-taping through various materials. They are used for fastening processes which use thin plastics, metals or wood.

Stainless Steel Machine Screws Are Available with Different Heads and Sizes 

Stainless steel machine screws are available for applications where the screws are applied through various materials with holes that are already pre-drilled and pre-tapped. There is a wide range and selection offered with different screw heads including slotted fillister, slotted pan head, Phillips flat head, Phillips pan head, and slotted pan head. The lengths and sizes available range from #0000-160 to #8-32. The head and drive styles do vary based upon the size.

Verify Predrilled Holes Are the Right Depth and Size for Your Stainless Steel Machine Screws

Certain pre-work has to be completed whenever you use stainless steel machine screws. The parts where the screws will be attached have to be predrilled and pre-tapped. Frequently automated processes are used to perform these tasks and make the items ready for the screws. It is important to verify your drilled holes are at the proper depth and size to fit the screws you are using and allow the screws to fully tighten.

You Need to Know the Head and Drive Style When Ordering Stainless Steel Machine Screws 

The head and drive styles for stainless steel machine screws do vary by the size and thread types. This information is important in order to ensure you order the correct kinds of screws for your manufacturing processes. In cases where you are developing new products you may want to experiment with a small selection of different screws in order to find the ones that will work best. You might be able to ask for a small sample of screws from the supplier to aid in your selection processes.

Stainless Steel Machine Screws Are Used in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is one organization which uses stainless steel machine screws as part of their manufacturing processes. Machine screws come in a variety of sizes and thread styles and can be used to secure different parts, components and sections of an automobile together. For example, the circuit boards used in a vehicle’s computer and wiring harnesses are often held in place with these types of screws. 

Appliance Manufacturers Use Stainless Steel Machine Screws

Appliance manufacturers are another industry where you will find stainless steel machine screws used. The screws are used in assembly processes used to build microwave ovens, stoves, ranges, coffee makers, toasters, refrigerators and dishwashers as well as several other types of home appliances. Timers, clocks, knobs, and other controls are held securely in place with the use of these screws. Since many of the parts face outwards, using traditional screws with nuts would not be suitable.

Stainless Steel Machine Screws Are Used in Small Electronic Devices

When you are assembling small electronic devices you can use stainless steel machine screws to secure parts together. These screws are used to attach circuit boards to exterior housings and hold them in place. You are also able to use the screws to attach and secure individual components and parts directly onto the circuit board.
 
There Are Different Types of Stainless Steel Machine Screws
 
Stainless steel machine screws have different types of heads which determines the tools needed to use them. The screws also can be threaded differently depending upon their intended purpose. For example, some screws are designed to be placed through holes that are pre-threaded, while others are designed to be used without having to pre-thread the holes. It is possible to use a variety of styles of machine screws during the assembly of a single product. You should make sure to have the correct supply, sizes and kinds of screws on hand before starting a production run.

Use Depth Allowances to Help Select Stainless Steel Machine Screws

You will need to know the maximum depth allowances when using stainless steel machine screws with certain products. The depth allowance can be used to determine the length of screws required. Using screws that are longer than the depth allowance can result in damage to your products. Also, be careful to not select screws which are too short, as they will not be able to securely hold materials together within your product.

Use Miniature Stainless Steel Machine Screws with Small Electronic Devices

When working with small parts and components you can attach them to each other using miniature stainless steel machine screws. Miniature screws are designed to be used inside small electronic devices. The screws can be used to attach circuit boards to housings and hold them in place. The screws can also be used to attach other components direct to the circuit board or to assemble the exterior housing on such devices.