New range of screws with optimised thread profile
The efficient and effective operation of automotive applications, domestic appliances and industrial machinery can depend on the use of reliable screws, bolts, washers and clips
Plas-Tech 30-20® screws — the latest product launch from TR Fastenings — aim to give customers advantages in their production processes. Manufactured in TR's own facilities, the Plas-Tech 30-20 was developed by in-house technical engineering teams across global locations to complement the existing Plas-Tech range.
The new product has an optimized thread profile that is claimed to provide advanced performance in a wide variety of plastic materials.
Plas-Tech 30-20 screws are new to the market, but are part of the company's established Plas-Tech range, and are available with various protective coatings. They are said to be of particular importance in the automotive, tech/infrastructure and health/home markets.
The screws were developed to offer several advantages over conventional thread-forming screws in plastic, including a 20 percent finer pitch and lower flank angle to improve axial resistance; a reduced thread angle to lessen axial displacement; up to 25 percent higher thread fill to improve maximum joint strength; and a smoother installation that heightens resistance to vibration.
Key features of the Plas-Tech 30-20 include:
- Minimal radial stress — the faceted thread profile directs material flow to reduce radial stress
- Vibration resistance — the full engagement of the self-locking, angled thread design avoids loosening
- High torsional strength and tensile strength — a large core thread profile provides high strength
- Optimal thread pitch — ensuring fastener engagement with a minimum number of rotations,
- keeping installation times to a minimum
- High reusability — the fastener can be removed and re-installed a number of times
The range includes pan head, flange head and countersunk head varieties, enabling customers to choose the right option for each application. Thread diameters are 3, 4, 5 and 6mm, and lengths range from 6 to 30mm. The design allows the screw threads to displace the surrounding plastic, in the process strengthening the fix. TR Fastenings can also provide bespoke engineered products and a diverse selection of related components.
The screws can be installed with a calibrated pneumatic or electric driver and are suited to robotic assembly processes. With standard drivers, installation is quick and easy, and the sturdy construction allows Plas-Tech 30-20 screws to be reused multiple times.
Product engineers can find more information about the screws' usage via TR's installation guide and product animation video, on the company's website and YouTube channel.