Alexei Volkov
Screws designed for plastics are commonly known as thread cutting screws or thread tapping screws. These screws have a sharp cutting edge that slices through plastic as they are driven into a pilot hole, creating a threaded joint. They are also referred to as self-tapping screws, which form or tap their threads when screwed into plastic. Selecting the right screw for plastics is crucial to ensure a proper and safe connection. With the increasing use of 3D printing technology, it is imperative to have a reliable screw that provides a secure and strong joint in plastics.
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What You'll Learn
Self-tapping screws
Thread-cutting screws, on the other hand, are designed for use in hard materials such as metal or hardwoods. They remove material and create threads in the process. The biggest drawback of thread-cutting screws is thread stripping during disassembly.
When using self-tapping screws, it is important to identify the type of material being worked on and choose the appropriate screw. For plastic, thread-forming screws are generally recommended. Ensure that you have a power drill with a screwdriver bit that fits the head of the screw. The pre-drilled hole should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw, allowing the threads to engage properly. The screw should be perpendicular to the material to ensure smooth insertion and reduce the risk of stripping the screw head. Apply steady pressure and maintain a consistent speed to prevent damage to the material or screw.
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Thread-forming screws
There are several types of thread-forming screws for plastic, including standard and metric thread-forming screws. PT screws feature sharp threads that enable easy penetration into plastic material without generating flakes. The angle of the thread helps the screws stay securely in place and reduces screw loosening caused by vibration. P-type screws, a variation of PT screws, have larger spaces between their threads, which help prevent chips from getting lodged between the threads and enable penetration through the plastic substrate without causing substantial fractures.
Delta PT screws, another variation, provide greater holding force than PT screws and are better at minimising flaking. They achieve greater plastic material displacement due to their lower angle threads. HI-LO screws, on the other hand, have smaller diameters, producing smaller holes in plastic. They feature double threads at a 30-degree angle, creating positive thread engagement and minimising material displacement.
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Tri-lobe screws
Screws used for connecting plastic materials must have specific characteristics to ensure a secure and safe connection. These screws are known as thread-forming screws, and they are designed to interlock with plastic. One such screw is the Tri-lobe screw, also known as the Trilobal screw. This screw features a tri-lobe thread shape, which allows the threads to form an internal thread. The screw is tapered at the end, which reduces the installation torque required during thread forming. The tri-lobe shape ensures that the remaining threads form with minimal torque.
These screws are available in various types, including the DIN 7500 Tri-lobe Pan Torx Thread Forming Screw and the DIN 7500 Tri-lobe CSK Torx Thread Forming Screw. They can be installed using automated fastening systems or manual power drivers, and they are suitable for materials such as steel, aluminium, brass, and copper.
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Plastic expansion screws
Screws used for connecting plastic materials together have special properties to ensure a proper, safe connection. These screws are called thread-forming screws and are designed to achieve the required clamping in plastic material. They are also referred to as plastic expansion screws.
There are various types of thread-forming screws designed for plastic materials, including standard and metric thread forming screws. One example is the BOSSCREW™, which is engineered not to loosen in plastic applications. Another type is the PT screw, which features sharp threads that enable easy penetration into plastic material and reduce loosening issues caused by vibration.
P-type screws have a wide thread-cutting slot and edge, resulting in larger spaces between their threads. This design helps prevent chips from getting lodged between the threads and enables penetration through the plastic substrate without causing substantial fractures. Delta PT screws, an improved version of PT screws, offer greater holding force and are better at minimising flaking.
HI-LO® screws have smaller diameters, producing smaller holes in plastic. They feature double threads situated at a 30-degree angle, which is ideal for creating positive thread engagement and minimising material displacement.
When using thread-forming screws for plastic, no pre-tapping is required. These screws form their own threads as they travel into and penetrate the material. They are also known to provide vibration resistance and prevent creep, strengthening joints in fluctuating temperature applications.
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Plastic cutting screws
Screws used for cutting plastic or connecting plastic materials together are called thread-forming screws. They are designed to cut further into the material, providing extra resistance to pull-out and can be inserted without nuts or inserts. They are available in a wide variety of materials, finishes, head styles, and drive styles.
Thread-forming screws for plastic are widely used in manufacturing, where they can be used as part of an automated assembly process. They can be used with pre-drilled or moulded holes and are available in a range of diameters, thread lengths, and head types. Specials can also be made to order.
The threads on these screws are designed to cut further into the material, providing extra resistance to pull-out. This is in contrast to screws for metal or wood, which require a different process for installation. The specific type of screw used to hold plastic parts together has an extremely thin thread and is usually slightly tapered at the end.
There are several types of thread-forming screws designed for use with plastic materials, including standard and metric thread-forming screws, Tri-Lobular thread-forming screws, PT screws, Delta PT screws, and HI-LO® screws. Each type has unique features and benefits, such as wide thread cutting slots, sharp threads, or double threads, that enhance their performance and secure their position in plastic materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Screws designed for plastics are commonly known as thread cutting screws or thread tapping screws. They have sharp cutting edges that slice through plastic as they are driven into a pilot hole, creating a threaded joint.
Some examples include Plastite, Taptite, and Rolock screws. There are also HI-LO screws, which produce smaller holes in plastic due to their smaller diameters.
Screws designed for plastics can optimise performance in specific types of materials. They can provide vibration resistance, prevent creep, strengthen joints, and achieve higher torque settings. They also prevent the problem of material relaxation over time, which is an issue with other screws that are not tightened to the same degree when attached to plastic.
