Page 12 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 8th June 2020
P. 12
FASTENING AND JOINING...
Machine screws, and where
you would typically use them
The experts at Challenge Europe look at machine screws and discuss what you would
use these products for
achine screws
are used almost
everywhere. They
Mare ubiquitous in
assembly roles world-wide,
especially for fixing accessories
to castings, fixing castings
together, often with nuts – fixing
covers in place – from marine
situations to aerospace, pack-
aging to electronics.
The materials choice begins
with low-grade steel for general purpose on up to The basic format of threaded shank and load-
high-force situations requiring high-grade steel, spreading head is capable of extensive adaptation
elsewhere calling for brass or copper for electrical with choices of thread form – although typically
conductivity, then covering corrosive environments these will be an ISO Metric specification.
where a stainless steel is needed – even to very high Screw heads however are subject to a very wide
temperature or extremely aggressive environments range of shapes and design concepts to reduce
which may need exotic alloys such as Hastelloy, vibration loosening, facilitate automatic installation,
Elgiloy, Titanium and others. resist vandalism/unauthorised removal, or to create
a smoother, more easily cleaned surface, for
Potential problems example in the food industry, or to facilitate
Typical issues include vibration loosening but this especially high torque settings, such as may be
is now reliably addressed by a range of friction- required in high-performance industries such as
based or washer-type solutions. However, aerospace or automotive applications.
significant care is needed where electro-galvanic Challenge Europe is your manufacruring partner
action may be envisaged, i.e. where a mix of for a wide range of fastening products, including
different materials is envisaged with conflicting nuts, bolts, screws and washers.
electro potential. www.challenge-europe.co.uk
June 2020 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA! • p12
