Tag: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can secure stainless steel machine screws in place by using different types of adhesives. Keep in mind, though, that using adhesives should only be used on screws, which are not intended to ever be removed. You would not want to apply adhesive to screws in areas which may have to be removed, later, in order to service the product.

 

Use Hypodermic Tubing to Apply Adhesive to Stainless Steel Machine Screws

 

One method you can use to apply adhesives to stainless steel machine screws is to use hypodermic tubing. Machine screws can be small, so you will not need a large amount of adhesive. Using hypodermic tubing allows you to apply just the right amount to the screw threads, before it is attached. Once the screw is in place and tightened, it should be left alone, in order to allow the adhesive to fully dry and cure.

You have different options available, when assembling different parts and components, and securing them together. Some processes may involve the use of glues or adhesives, which can be further strengthened by attaching stainless steel machine screws. Glues and adhesives can break down over time, which means it is possible for them to lose their hold and come apart. By attaching the screw, as well, it helps keep the pieces held together, even if the glue breaks down.

Before Attaching Stainless Steel Machine Screws Apply Glues or Adhesives First

You should apply glues and adhesives first, before attaching stainless steel machine screws. This will allow the glue or adhesive to get into the hole where the screw will be attached. It will provide a more secure connection and ensure the glue or adhesive has been thoroughly spread. Otherwise, if you wait until after the screw is attached, the glue or adhesive will not fully penetrate.