Choosing the right fastener for the job plays a crucial role in how the final product turns out. When an application involves joining materials that are too soft or too thin, directly accepting self-tapping screws or bolts will cause damage to the base material. In this situation, threaded inserts make joining those materials possible. Once this type of fastener is installed, the internal threads of the insert are available to support screws, bolts, and other fasteners with male threading.
Threaded inserts aren’t just useful for workpieces made from soft or thin materials. These inserts are often used to replace existing threaded holes that have been stripped or are otherwise no longer suitable for securely holding threaded fasteners. Compared with self-tapping screws, screws and bolts with threaded inserts can handle higher axial and radial loads.
Threaded inserts were initially developed for the aerospace and aviation industries, where their main purpose was to secure deicers to airplane wings. Today, threaded inserts are used in a wide variety of industries and applications. For instance, wellnut threaded inserts are commonly used in the automotive industry to secure plastic and metal body parts. These inserts feature rubber flanges ideal for vibration reduction and creating a watertight seal.
You will also find threaded inserts made from corrosion-resistant materials such as brass and coated steel throughout the boatbuilding industry, mainly to secure boat hulls and trim to wooden and fiberglass bodies. Household appliances also rely on threaded inserts to keep circuit board controls and plastic covers in place. Threaded inserts are also commonly chosen for their durability, making them ideal for use in green energy construction applications. Outdoor solar panels and windmills rely on threaded inserts for their high strength and ease of installation.
The experts at Bossard are more than happy to discuss threaded inserts in greater detail. Contact us to find the right fasteners for your application at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.
Threaded Inserts and Their Uses by Bossard
